Easy White Trash Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic
Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure that combines the goodness of crispy tater tots with a medley of mouthwatering ingredients. Introducing our White Trash Casserole—a comforting dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole effortlessly blends layers of flavorful ingredients to create a satisfying one-dish meal.
What is White Trash Casserole?
White Trash Casserole is a classic American comfort food that features a hearty combination of ground meat, vegetables, and creamy sauce, all topped with a generous layer of tater tots. The result? A crispy, golden layer that melds beautifully with savory flavors below.
Ingredients for White Trash Casserole
- 1.25 pounds ground beef (or substitute with turkey, chicken, or plant-based options)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken, cream of celery)
- 1 can diced green chiles
- 1 can corn
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How My Recipe Came to Be
As a newlywed, I was determined to impress my husband with amazing meals. However, every dish seemed overshadowed by his nostalgic comparisons to his ex-girlfriends’ cooking. It was the Tater Tot Casserole that pushed me to my limits.
t was the infamous Spaghetti Sauce that started it all. Every time I even mentioned making it, I could already anticipate his dismissive remark, “It won’t be as good as ____; she’s Italian.” The same happened with Northern Beans; his mom’s recipe was, apparently, unbeatable.
Instead of giving up, I embraced the challenge and spent countless hours perfecting my version of this dish. After many attempts, I finally served him a plate of my White Trash Casserole without saying a word. The moment he took his first bite, my heart raced, and when he didn’t say anything, I knew I had succeeded.
This casserole not only proved my cooking skills but also became a symbol of my culinary triumph—one that we affectionately call “White Trash Casserole.”
You may also want to check out my Pinterest Casserole board for more great recipes like this white trash casserole.
How to Make White Trash Casserole
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spray a 13×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Drain the grease.
Step 2: Make the Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the soup, diced green chiles, corn, salt, pepper, and the browned ground beef. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Top with Tater Tots
- Cover the mixture with a layer of frozen tater tots. For a crispier texture, stand the tater tots on their smaller ends.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. The combination of cheesy, savory flavors with crispy tater tots will satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Pro Tip:
For added indulgence, sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking. The gooey, melted cheese will elevate your casserole to the next level!
FAQs for Easy White Trash Casserole
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile—feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe serves as a great base for customization. Consider adding diced bell peppers, onions, or your favorite veggies.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven and adjust the baking time if needed.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Ensure that the cream of mushroom soup and frozen tater tots are labeled gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options.
Dinner Inspiration
This Tater Tot Casserole could be on your table tonight! If you had The How To Cookbook for Teens, you could put YOUR feet up and let them cook this main entree!
Cooking Summary
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
---|---|---|---|
10 minutes | 35 minutes | 45 minutes | 8 servings |
EASY White Trash Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1 (15.2 ounce) can corn kernels
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1-1/2 cups cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Spray
a 13x9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a large skillet, over
medium heat, brown the ground beef, about 5 minutes. Drain the grease. - Make the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soup, chiles, corn, salt, pepper, and meat and stir until well mixed. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top the mixture with tater tots.
- Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and the tater tots are golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
The Tater Tots will be crisper if you stand them on the smaller end, rather than
rest them on their sides.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 364Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 555mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 27g
Nutritional Information may not be accurate