Oldie but Goodie - Quick Tater Tot Bake

I haven't posted any recipes for awhile so here's one that is nice when you aren't sure what to make...


Quick Tater Tot Bake

3/4 to 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
1 small onion, chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 (16 oz) pkg. frozen tater tot potatoes
1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
1/2 soup can milk or water
1 c. (4 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese

In a skillet, brown the meat and onion. Drain off any fat. Season with salt and pepper. Place in a greased 2 quart casserole. Top with potatoes. Combine soup and milk or water; pour over potatoes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350F for 30 to 40 minutes. Makes 2 to 3 servings. To double, use a 9x13 inch pan.

Now, here's what I do differently: First, I put the tater tots (or french fries, I often use those instead because I think of this recipe at the last minute and tater tots are a product I just don't buy on a regular basis) in the oven for 20 minutes, turning them at 10 minutes. They really need to be pre-cooked a bit or they get too soggy from the soup. I cook the meat and season it with Cavender's Greek Seasoning while the fries are cooking. Sometimes, I will put a can of green beans in the bottom of the casserole, then add the meat, then the fries. When I mix the soup with the milk, I will stir the milk in a little at a time because sometimes 1/2 can of milk makes the soup too runny.

Eat and enjoy!