I have had this casserole at friends’ houses before, but never attempted to make it. Let me tell you, it will be a staple in this house! This casserole is so yummy, filling, cheap and versatile.
Here is what you need:
1 lb ground beef ( or turkey ), 1.5 or 2 lb bag of tater tots, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 can evaporated milk (evaporated milk is recommended because it makes the casserole richer tasting than regular milk), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Step 2: Brown your ground beef, drain and place in a 9×13 casserole dish
Step 3: Mix in a bowl the 2 soups and the can of evaporated milk
Step 4: Place your tater tots on top of the ground beef. I have such good help in the kitchen! This is my daughter, Addie (2 1/2) helping mommy.
Step 5: Pour soup/milk mixture over tater tots. Place in a oven for 45-60 minutes. (If you want to add cheese, put the cheese on during the last 10 minutes of cooking)
Step 6: Once cheese is melty and dish is bubble, it’s ready!
Step 7: Enjoy with a side of mixed veggies, broccoli or green beans.
I looked online for differing recipes for this casserole. Some people put mushrooms, green beans etc. in the casserole. I chose to keep it simple the first time I made it and it turned out GREAT! I was thinking it would be very easy to turn this dish into a breakfast casserole by using sausage, tater tots, the soup/milk, and cheese. I’ll let you all know if I attempt it!
Meal Serves: 6
Cost of meal: $6.00 (includes veggies)
Cost per person: $1.00
Beckie says
Do you think this would freeze well? I am thinking of trying to cook the beef add the soup and frozen potatoes and freezing it. Then I could thaw it out and cook. What do you think?
dfwmom says
Yes, you can freeze. My recipe is slightly different. You put the tator tops on the top of the cheese so I froze the tator tops separate from the casserole. My recipe has mixed vegetables in it. Its really good.
Ethiopianmomma says
Sarah,
I just made this and was very nervous about it. I needed a meal I could use cream of mushroom soup in because I just bought 3 cans for 35 cents! Cool.
This was delicious and the family loved it. 🙂
Kate