Description
Smothered Tater Tot Beef Skillet
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bag (16 oz) frozen tater tots
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned. Stir in garlic, black pepper, and garlic powder. Drain excess grease.
Add the Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Layer the Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet. Cover and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing the tater tots to heat through.
Optional Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and cover for 2–3 minutes until melted.
Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your seasonings and liquids before you begin cooking. This ensures a smooth process.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Add the minced garlic, pepper, and garlic powder, cooking for one more minute. Drain any excess fat.
3. Create the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Stir thoroughly to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken.
4. Add the Tater Tots: Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the beef mixture. Do not stir them in.
5. Cook Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. This allows the tater tots to steam and heat through completely.
6. Add Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Re-cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve directly from the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or simple buttered corn are excellent choices. To make it extra indulgent, serve with a side of warm, crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
How-to Summary
Brown beef and onion, then season. Stir in soup and broth to create a sauce. Top with frozen tater tots, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Optionally add cheese, let it melt, garnish, and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cream soup? Yes. Cream of chicken or celery soup are great substitutes for cream of mushroom.
How can I make this recipe crispier? For crispier tots, after the covered simmering step, transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can brown the beef and prepare the sauce ahead. Store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, reheat the mixture, top with tater tots, and proceed with the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the simmer time.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely. Diced bell peppers or mushrooms can be sautéed with the onion. For frozen peas or corn, stir them into the sauce just before adding the tater tots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Beef: Excess grease will make the final dish oily. Always drain the beef after browning.
- Stirring in the Tater Tots: Place them on top; stirring will break them apart and create a mushy texture.
- Using a Skillet That’s Too Small: A 10-12 inch skillet is ideal. If the pan is too small, the tots won’t cook evenly.
- Overcooking the Sauce: Simmer just until slightly thickened. Overcooking can cause it to become too dense and salty.
Conclusion
This Smothered Tater Tot Beef Skillet is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. Its creamy, savory sauce and satisfying tater tot topping are guaranteed to become a family favorite. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a perfect, hearty dinner any night of the week. Enjoy this delicious, all-in-one pan meal!