Tater Tot Casserole

A beginner-friendly air fryer recipe for a creamy beef and tater tot casserole, served in 4 generous portions.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, to thicken the sauce slightly)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (for sautéing)
• 3 to 4 cups frozen tater tots (frozen state is best for crisping)
• 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese (or a sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef and minced garlic. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it is completely browned and no pink remains (about 6 to 7 minutes). Drain excess grease carefully.
3. Season the meat mixture with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir the all-purpose flour directly into the cooked beef mixture to absorb any remaining moisture.
5. Pour in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir continuously until everything is thoroughly combined into a thick, velvety sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Lightly grease your 6-inch or 7-inch oven-safe baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a thin wipe of oil.
7. Transfer the hot creamy beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer.
8. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese directly over the beef layer.
9. Arrange the frozen tater tots neatly on top in a single, tight layer or a slightly overlapping pattern so the entire surface is covered.
10. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
11. Carefully place your assembled baking dish inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
12. Open the air fryer, sprinkle the remaining half of the cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots, and return it to the air fryer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and the tater tots are deeply golden brown and extra crunchy.
13. Carefully remove the baking dish from the air fryer using heat-resistant oven mitts. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes so the creamy filling can set slightly.
14. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions or chives, slice into portions, and serve hot.

Notes

Do Not Thaw Tots: Keep your tater tots straight from the freezer. Putting frozen tots into the air fryer yields a superior crispy outer crunch while keeping the interior fluffy. Check Dish Fit: Always test your baking dish inside the cold air fryer basket before cooking to ensure it fits with enough clearance around the sides for proper air circulation. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to mix in half a cup of frozen peas, diced carrots, or cooked green beans into the beef and soup mixture for extra texture and nutrition.