Tater Tot Casserole

We love going to our friends’ Rob and Treena’s house. We end up over there at some point on every major holiday and Ohio State football game day. It’s that time of year; you’ll hearing more and more about the Buckeyes.  Most of the time we end up doing a potluck, but sometimes Treena makes everything herself and everyone snacks all day.

Hanging out at their house reminds me of the way I always felt neighbors and communities should be. As the day goes on, people come and go, but always stay for at least a couple hours. And even though there is a football game on, we all sit down around the kitchen table and talk. As someone gets up from their chair to check the score, chase an AWOL child or sit outside for a little while…another person always takes their seat and the conversation continues. Everyone knows each other and they all help to look out for the smaller kids.

Last year Treena had made this yummy ground beef & tater tot dish. I had to get her recipe since Mike went back for thirds.It’s so easy to make and the boys love it.  8 minutes to prep; then you can sit and relax while the casserole bakes. And maybe have a glass of wine... Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc? Don't mind if I do.

Treena’s Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 can whole kernel corn
1 bag frozen tater tots
Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Cook ground beef until browned and no pink is left. Drain meat.
3. In a large bowl, combine soup, Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Add in ground beef while it is still hot, toss to coat beef. Mix in corn.
4. Spread beef and corn mixture into a 13” x 9” baking dish. Top beef with tater tots.
5. Spread out the tater tots so that they are in a single layer. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top to your liking.
6. Bake for 24-26 minutes. Allow the rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.