Can I use fresh beef instead of deli roast beef?

Absolutely! If you have leftover roast beef from a previous meal, chop it into bite-sized pieces and use it in place of the deli meat. You could also brown some ground beef with the same seasonings for a different but equally delicious version of this casserole.

What can I substitute for cheddar soup if I can't find it?

If cheddar soup isn't available, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup mixed with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Another option is to make a quick cheese sauce with 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes! You can assemble the beef mixture and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, spread it in your baking dish, top with frozen tater tots, and proceed with the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since you're starting with a cold base.

My family doesn't like tater tots. Can I use something else?

Certainly! Try topping the casserole with hash browns, French fries, or even a layer of mashed potatoes for a shepherd's pie-inspired dish. Each option will give you a slightly different texture but will work well with the flavorful beef mixture.

Roast Beef and Cheddar Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Description

A delicious and hearty Roast Beef and Cheddar Tater Tot Casserole that combines savory roast beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort food dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

- 14 oz deli sliced roast beef, chopped into 1 inch squares
- 10.5 oz cheddar soup
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups French’s crispy fried onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 28 oz frozen tater tots

Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole.
Mix the base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped roast beef, cheddar soup, ketchup, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.
Incorporate onions and cheese: Add the French’s crispy fried onions and the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl, then mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the roast beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom.
Add the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the roast beef mixture, covering the entire surface.
Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, allowing the tater tots to crisp and the flavors to meld together.
Add the cheese topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Finish baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown slightly.
Rest and serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your dish warm!

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the roast beef mixture.
The casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
You can customize the recipe by substituting the roast beef with cooked ground beef or shredded chicken.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg