How can I make tater tot casserole more flavorful?

Question

So last night at my husbands request, I made tater tot casserole. The recipe only calls for ground beef (I used turkey, it's healthier), tater tots, cream of mushroom soup, milk and shredded cheese. I substituted cream of chicken soup because IMO cream of mushroom is bland. I also seasoned my meat with both garlic and onion powder. It still came out pretty bland. My husband loved it but I need more flavor in my meals. Has anyone ever made this and spice it up somehow with some other flavors?

Answer 1

I use sour cream instead of the milk and a pinch of thyme or margorum, gives it a somewhat different taste.

Answer 2

besides seasoning the meat, season the tater tots. Also use a combination of cheeses. Like Kraft Mexican mixes - Cheeder Jack or 4 Cheeses. These will add more flavor.

When seasoning the meat try some of the McCormick Grill Mates like Montreal Chicken or Steak Seasoning. There are many flavors to choose from.

I hope this helps you some.

Answer 3

You are right to use cream of chicken over cream of mushroom. I might suggest adding some sauteed onion and/or bell peppers. Use sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor in that department. There are some tater tots that are spicy, you could substitute those. add cooked, diced carrots and/or peas to the ground beef (that's right, I said beef - more flavor than turkey). Add a few drops of hot sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot) into the mixture - mmm, mmm.

Answer 4

yes I make it. I take 2 pounds of ground beef mix with 2 cans of cheddar broccoli soup, or cream of chicken. mix together pour into a 13 x 9 pan line it with tater tots, bake at 350 for about 20 min or until tots are golden brown sprinkle cheese on top, let cheese melt and serve!

Answer 5

I would add minced garlic and onions to the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper and let it sit in the fridge for an hour. That should get the flavours flowing. Try adding some chopped chives to the soup & milk mixture. Maybe you can experiment with different cheeses too, try marble or mozzerella. Also, I would try sprinkling breadcrumbs on top and some parmesean. That should give it a nice crunchy coating. Good luck!

Answer 6

I would try brown stock with the cream of mushroom and turkey sausage not ground turkey. Also cheese, Parmigiano would be my choice.

basic broown stock
1 pounds beef bones, sawed into 2-inch pieces
1 pounds stew beef, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 unpeeled onions, quartered
1 carrots, halved
2 ribs of celery, halved
4 unpeeled garlic cloves
6 long parsley sprigs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1 bay leaf
3 cups of water

Boil for 15 min. simmer 45 min. This will keep frozen for 3 months. I put it in ice trays so I can use it easy.

Answer 7

Marinate your meat, and season it ahead of time. It makes a big difference!!! Use the cream of chicken, because you're right it does have more flavor. Don't just use onion and garlic though. Buy a seasoning, like a poultry seasoning or meat seasoning that are preblended.

Answer 8

Try adding cooked turkey bacon and green onions. A little chili powder adds a nice flavor too.

Answer 9

Add 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 or 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. You can also throw in some raw garlic while browning the ground beef.

Answer 10

use Campbell's Cheese soup instead of mushroom or chicken soup. It's creamy and when you top it with shredded chesse it just gets better.