Green Bean Tater Tot Combo Casserole

Green bean casserole is a holiday classic. It’s a popular tradition in many households. Green beans, mixed with soup and French fried onions; a flavor combination almost everyone craves. Tater tot casserole is another quick and easy dish that’s a family favorite. Ground beef combined with soup and topped off with cheesy tater tots. What would happen if you combined the flavors of both casseroles into one? Well, that’s exactly what I asked myself yesterday. I took the classic ingredients of a green bean casserole and combined it with the classic ingredients of a tater tot casserole. Why didn’t I think of this sooner? It’s as if these flavor combinations were intended to be united, the ultimate in comfort food. It’s quick, easy, kid-friendly and sure to be a new family favorite. Okay, maybe it’s not so healthy; but when you’re in the mood for good old-fashioned comfort food, let’s face it, anything goes. Two retro classic casseroles rolled into one. This is guaranteed to make mealtime exciting again.

Missing from photo: 1 can Cream of Chicken soup

Heat oven to 375° F. Spray a 15x10x2-inch baking dish (or any 3-quart size) with non-stick cooking spray.

In Dutch oven, or large pot, brown ground beef and garlic. If necessary, drain.

Stir in soups, thyme, black pepper and green beans. Remove from heat. 

Stir in French fried onions. I crushed mine a little, but that's not necessary. 

Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. If you’re a big fan of French fried onions, sprinkle some additional over the top, then using a spatula, press down into meat mixture (so you have an even surface to lay the tater tots on).

Arrange tater tots over the top. Lightly season the potatoes with seasoned salt, paprika and black pepper. (Keep in mind that the tater tots are probably already seasoned, so go easy with the salt.)

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until tater tots are crispy and meat mixture is bubbly. Remove from oven. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the potatoes. Return to oven, and cook for 5 minutes more, or until cheese is melted.

GREEN BEAN TATER TOT COMBO CASSEROLE
Posted by: www.meldingmagic.com

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 cans (10-3/4-ounces each) cream of mushroom soup (low salt)
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounce) cream of chicken soup (low salt)
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bag (16-ounces) frozen cut green beans, thawed
• 1-1/3 to 2 cups FRENCH’S® Original or Cheddar French Fried Onions
• 1 bag (28-ounces) frozen tater tots
• Paprika, to taste
• Seasoned salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (8-ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:
 
1. Heat oven to 375° F.  Spray a 3-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In Dutch oven (or large pot), brown ground beef and garlic.
3. Stir in soups, thyme, black pepper and green beans. Remove from heat and stir in French fried onions.
4. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle additional French fried onions over the
    top, then using a spatula, press down slightly into meat mixture.
5. Top with tater tots. Season potatoes slightly with paprika, seasoned salt and black pepper.
6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until tater tots are crispy, and meat mixture is bubbly.
7. Remove from oven. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top. Return to oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese
    melts.