Description
This Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots is an irresistibly cozy and comforting American side dish, perfect for holidays or family dinners. It features tender green beans sautéed with onions and garlic, mixed in a creamy mushroom sauce with cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy tater tots and optional French fried onions for extra crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
For the Casserole Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup French fried onions (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time you finish preparing the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook Green Beans: Add the trimmed, halved green beans to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp. This helps prevent them from overcooking in the oven.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion, garlic, and green beans with 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Stir thoroughly until you achieve a creamy, uniform mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spread the green bean and soup mixture evenly into the baking dish to form the casserole base.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the 2 cups of frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the green bean mixture to create a crispy topping once baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden and crispy.
- Optional Topping: If using French fried onions, sprinkle 1/2 cup over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking to add extra flavor and crunch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen green beans if fresh aren’t available—just thaw and drain them before cooking.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding cooked chopped bacon or using sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on serving day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
