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Tater Tot Casserole with Beef and Lentils

Hearty Tater Tot Casserole with Beef and Lentils Bliss

A healthy and comforting Tater Tot Casserole with beef and lentils that's budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) or turkey/plant-based alternative
  • 8 ounces mushrooms chopped
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour plus 1 tablespoon
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth or vegetable broth
  • 15 ounces canned lentils drained
  • 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 cup frozen cauliflower rice optional
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 28 ounces frozen tater tots for topping
For Seasoning
  • to taste fine salt
  • to taste garlic powder
  • to taste onion powder
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and coat a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced yellow onion for about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the baking dish.
  3. Add remaining avocado oil to the skillet and cook the chopped mushrooms for 2-4 minutes until soft. Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in broth and let thicken for 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  4. Pour the mushroom sauce over the beef in the baking dish. Fold in the lentils, mixed vegetables, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Add cauliflower rice and mix well.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Arrange tater tots on top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For best results, combine all ingredients well to avoid dry spots in the casserole. Fresh vegetables may need blanching before use, and excess liquid from meat and mushrooms should be drained to prevent a watery casserole.

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