Ground Beef Tater Tot in Cast Iron Skillet
Growing up in the heart of the midwest this was a go-to option for many Nebraskan families. Especially during the winter months. Not only can this easy tater tot casserole recipe feed an entire family, but at a very low cost!
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm a meat and potatoes guy through and through. So it's only natural that one of my favorite meals growing up would be made with beef and tater tots. Then you add green beans, top it off with cream of mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce. You've got a winner winner delicious dinner!
Where Did Tater Tot Casserole Originate?
According to any search, you'll find that this deliciousness originated in the upper midwest states of Minnesota & North Dakota.
However, in that area it's more commonly known as Tater Tot Hotdish.
Hotdish dates back to the 30's during the great depression. At that time meat was high priced and hard to come by. Which made this an easy and affordable meal for families to make. They would include ground beef, pasta or potatoes, and all types of canned veggies like peas, corn, tomatoes, etc.
Now, I could sit and talk about "Hotdish", it's history, and all the variations all day long.
But I'm here for Tater Tot Casserole. This is where things start gettin' fancy!
In 1956 there was a game changer. The invention of pre-made frozen tater tots. Who doesn't love these scrumptious little golden gems?
If I wore cargo pants I'd carry them around like I was Mr. Dynamite himself! But i'm not, so I put 'em on my 'hotdish' and call it a tater tot casserole!
With that being said….
LET'S GET TO COOKIN'!
This recipe doesn't take long at all to prep, so go ahead and get the oven preheating to 375°f. While the oven is preheating start by browning the ground beef in a 12″ Cast Iron Skillet. Once the beef has browned strain the fat and set aside.
Place the diced onion in the same Skillet and cook until they begin to brown then add the garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 3-4 minutes or just until the garlic starts to become fragrant.
Next, return the ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
Now add the Worcestershire Sauce and Tallow stirring and cooking until the tallow has melted down. The tallow is completely optional but I will say this. Because I use regular ole lean ground beef and strain the meat, it loses some some beefy flavor. I like beefy flavor but really only GOOD beef flavor. By adding tallow you're getting the flavor of beef from a higher end source. But again, unlike making a Philly at home, the tallow isn't a necessity in this recipe.
Moving on, season the meat mixture with a little salt and pepper. Then using a spatula evenly spread it around the cast iron skillet making it flat and compact. Top the meat mixture with cream of mushroom soup then the green beans.
Salt and Pepper again.
Now top the whole thing evenly with frozen tater tots. Back the whole skillet for 35 minutes at 375°f on the bottom rack.
Lastly, set your oven to broil at 400°f, move the skillet up and broil until the Tater Tots are golden brown.
Serve this with generous amounts of Worcestershire sauce and ENJOY!
In Conclusion
If you're looking for a quick and inexpensive way to feed the whole family, this is it. Having an easy tater tot casserole recipe like this one in your playbook guarantees you a win with the family and the pocket book alike.
Enjoy and Happy Cooking!
-Jeremy
schulzthiphrisity.blogspot.com
Source: https://chickenfriedkitchen.com/easy-tater-tot-casserole/
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