Prairie Wife’s Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Posted December 8, 2023 by Prairie Wife -

Tator Tot Casserole is a family favorite around here. Those of you who recall my Wisconsin origins will understand why my casserole is cheesy…because cheese makes everything better. My mid-western roots also tempted me to call this a “hot dish” rather than a casserole, but for the sake of the rest of the world understanding this recipe, I left it alone.

At the end of this recipe, I added a few ways to modify it based on what you have in your pantry and your personal tastes. I WILL say that what gives this particular recipe an extra KICK of flavor is the Travelers Dust Dry Rub.

Prairie Wife’s Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Prep Time: 5 Minutes Total Cook/Bake Time: 35 min

Ingredients
2 lb ground meat (we usually use Elk, Deer or Beef)
1 Medium Onion Chopped
2 Cloves Minced Garlic
Approx 1tbsp Travelers Dust Dry Rub
1 Can Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1/2 Cup Milk
1 Cup of Shredded Cheese (anything will work, but we like Colby Jack)
2 Cups of Frozen Corn
1 Bag Of Tater Tots
Non-Stick Spray

1. Combine meat, chopped onions, garlic, and dry rub in a deep pan on the stove and cook on medium-high, stirring occasionally.
2. Set oven to 375.
3. When meat is browned, reduce the heat to medium-low and add soup, milk, frozen corn, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
4.  Stir until combined.
5. Spray 9 x 13 glass casserole dish with nonstick spray.
6. Put meat mixture into casserole dish.
7. Cover the top evenly with tater tots.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on the top.
9. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes until tater tots are deep golden brown.

Add ins: 

1 Can of Rotel
Replace Cheddar Cheese Soup with Cream Cheese
Replace Cheddar Cheese Soup with Condensed Mushroom Soup
Heavy Whipping Cream instead of Milk
Shredded Chicken to replace the Ground Meat
Mixed Frozen Vegetables instead of Corn
Salt and Pepper instead of  Travelers Dust

Grease Monkey BBQ sponsored this post. Shop online at greasemonkeybbq.com or visit them at 1851 E. 12th St. Casper, WY.

Categories: Recipes, This and That

Tags: , dinner, easy school night meals, family meals, grease monkey bbq, large family meal, recipe, tater tot casserole, travelers dust dry rub