One of my childhood memories includes Tater Tot Casserole made by my sweet Gigi. There is something about a grandmother’s cooking that cannot be replicated, no matter how hard one tries.
A few months ago, I stole Gigi’s recipe from my mom, and I just now got around to looking at it last night.
These days, cream of something-or-other soup isn’t found in our pantry, and some of the better-for-you copycat cream soup recipes are a little more complex than I wanted to mess with, so I nixed the “cream” and went with creamy. The result was full bellies and a happy family begging for more. I’d call that a win.
Tater Tot Casserole
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- homemade cheese sauce {recipe below}
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 package of tater tots
Brown the meat, and add the onions and garlic when the meat is almost done. Drain meat/onion/garlic mix when finished and set aside. Make the homemade cheese sauce. Spread half of the meat into a 9×13 pan and cover with half of the cheese sauce. Repeat with the remaining meat and cheese sauce. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and top with tater tots. Bake at 350° for 50 – 60 minutes.
Easy and delicious comfort food!
Homemade Cheese Sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 8-oz pkg. cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Melt the butter in a small sauce pan and then whisk in flour. Let cook a minute until slightly bubbly. Add the milk, stirring carefully. Cut the cream cheese into squares and then add to the mixture, stirring until melted. Add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted. The final mixture should be nice and thick. This makes a wonderful addition to macaroni noodles or the pasta of your choice! It’s my kids’ favorite way to eat Macaroni-and-Cheese.
I will be trying this soon.. it sounds awesome!
Sounds yummy 🙂
Do you ever add any veggies?
Hi Connie! I haven’t added veggies, but that sounds delicious! 🙂
Thank you for this great family friendly recipe. I stumbled upon your blog when looking for a recipe that didn’t require canned soup and my family now loves your recipe. I even made a few for the freezer before our newest addition arrived and it makes a great freezer meal. Thanks, again.
Hi Laura!
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for sharing! <3 Congrats on your new little one!!!
- Amy
Thank you! I made this tonight for dinner. We loved it! My husband wasn’t sure it sounded good, but when I asked if he liked it after, also what could be done differently he said it was on point and nothing needs changing.