Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Short pasta (rotini, penne, or bow tie works best)
- 1 lb Ground beef or shredded cooked chicken
- 1 bag (32 oz) Frozen tater tots
- 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Sliced green onions or crumbled bacon for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a little bit of butter. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for two minutes less than the package instructions suggest for "al dente." The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so you want it to remain slightly firm. Drain the pasta and set it aside. If you are using ground beef, brown it in a skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains, then drain the excess fat. If using chicken, ensure it is fully cooked and shredded.
- Cooking: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta, your choice of meat (chicken or beef), and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Top the pasta mixture with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining cup of cheddar cheese. Finally, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, tight layer across the entire top of the casserole.
- Plating: Place the dish in the center rack of the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to be bubbly and the tater tots to turn a deep golden brown and become crispy. If you want extra crunch, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes of cooking, but watch it closely so the cheese doesn’t burn. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Garnish with fresh green onions or bacon bits if desired. Scoop large portions onto plates and serve while hot and cheesy.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes