Tater tot casserole is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and enjoy. It features tater tots mixed with ground beef and vegetables all covered in cheese and baked to crispy, melty perfection. This casserole makes a great meal for family dinners or potlucks since it serves a crowd and reheats well. If you end up with leftovers, you may be wondering if you can freeze tater tot casserole for future meals. Read on for tips on freezing and reheating this hearty casserole.
Can You Freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze cooked tater tot casserole. Freezing is a great way to save leftover casserole or prepare it ahead of time. Tater tot casserole freezes well because of its hardy ingredients like the potatoes, beef, and cheese. The salty and savory flavors hold up nicely through freezing and reheating without getting watery.
To freeze tater tot casserole, first allow it to cool completely after baking. Then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers, plastic freezer bags, or even freezer foil. Make sure to pack the casserole tightly and smooth out the top to limit air exposure. You can freeze it for up to 3 months at 0°F.
When freezing the casserole, consider the portion size you’ll want for future meals. Freezing smaller portions allows you to remove just what you need from the freezer. Aim for portions that suit your family, like a 9×9 pan that serves 4-6 people. Label the containers with the name and date before freezing.
Can You Reheat Tater Tot Casserole from Frozen?
Yes, tater tot casserole holds up very well when reheated directly from frozen. The casserole will keep its texture and flavor. When reheating frozen tater tot casserole, you’ll want to allow extra time for it to thoroughly heat through.
There are a few methods you can use to reheat frozen tater tot casserole:
- Oven: Bake frozen casserole covered with foil at 350°F for about 1 hour until heated through. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes to crisp the tots.
- Microwave: Microwave individual portions on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: For a quick stove-top meal, heat casserole in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or stock if it seems dry.
Check that the center of the casserole reaches 165°F when reheating fully cooked frozen casserole. Bringing frozen food like this to a safe internal temperature prevents risk of foodborne illness.
Tips for Freezing and Reheating Tater Tot Casserole
Follow these tips for the best results freezing and reheating tater tot casserole:
- Underbake slightly before freezing – Bake about 3/4 of the recommended time before freezing. This prevents it from drying out when reheated.
- Leave space at the top when freezing – Casseroles expand as they freeze, so leave at least 1 inch of headspace.
- Allow proper thawing – For best texture, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating if possible. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
- Prevent drying out – Add a splash of milk or broth if the casserole seems dry when reheating.
- Use foil – Cover with foil to prevent drying out then uncover at the end to brown.
- Stir thoroughly – Mix well before serving to evenly distribute ingredients and heat.
Tater Tot Casserole Freezer Meal Prep
For ultimate convenience, consider making freezer meals with your tater tot casserole. Prepare a double batch of the casserole then divide it into individual portions to freeze. This allows you to stock your freezer with ready-made meals to enjoy later.
Here are some tips for freezing tater tot casserole for meal prep:
- Cool casserole completely before dividing into portions.
- Use disposable foil pans for easy reheating.
- Wrap pans tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Label with name, date, and reheating instructions.
- Fill your freezer with a variety of premade meals.
- Pull out a meal when you don’t want to cook!
Having ready-to-go casserole meals in the freezer is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge or adjust reheating time for frozen.
Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
This classic tater tot casserole recipe is perfect for freezing:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown ground beef with onions over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in vegetables, soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
- Transfer beef mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with 2 cups shredded cheese.
- Arrange tater tots evenly over the top. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until hot and bubbly. Broil 2-3 minutes to brown tots.
- Let cool completely then freeze in individual portions. Reheat frozen casserole straight from freezer until hot, 165°F.
This freezer-friendly recipe makes about 8 servings. Adjust portions when freezing for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you assemble raw tater tot casserole then freeze?
Yes, you can assemble the raw ingredients for tater tot casserole then freeze the unbaked dish. Simply prepare the beef mixture, layer it into a freezer-safe pan with the shredded cheese, then arrange the raw tater tots on top. Wrap well and freeze. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the cook time.
How long is tater tot casserole good in the freezer?
Properly frozen tater tot casserole will keep well in the freezer for 3-4 months. After that point, it will slowly start to dry out and lose quality. Store casserole at 0°F or below for best preservation. Portion into smaller containers so you can remove what you need and avoid thawing/refreezing.
Can you freeze tater tot casserole with sour cream?
Yes, it’s fine to freeze tater tot casserole made with sour cream. Sour cream holds up well during freezing. Make sure casserole is cooled fully before freezing. When reheating, the texture may be slightly less creamy but the flavor will still be great.
Should you thaw frozen tater tot casserole before baking?
You do not need to thaw frozen tater tot casserole before reheating. You can bake it straight from the freezer, just allow 10-15 extra minutes. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking if you have time. But thawing is not required.
Conclusion
Tater tot casserole is a comfort food classic for a reason – it’s hearty, delicious, and feeds a crowd! Luckily, it also freezes remarkably well, making it even more convenient. Simply divide cooled casserole into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven, microwave, or skillet until piping hot. With a few tips, you can enjoy fork-tender tater tot casserole even when made ahead. Freezing and reheating allows you to prep freezer meals or have leftovers ready anytime.