This Cheesy Broccoli Tater-Tot Casserole is comfort food at its finest. With a combination of crispy tater tots, tender broccoli, and a melted cheese layer, it's perfect for a cozy family dinner. Plus, it's got a secret weapon: shredded chicken for that extra bit of protein!
The star of the show is the crispy tater tots, which form a delightful crust on top. Broccoli florets add a nutritious and colorful touch, while cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese create a gooey, cheesy layer. Cooked chicken provides some hearty protein. The cream of mushroom soup acts as the creamy base, with milk thinning it out just right. For flavor, we've got garlic powder and onion powder, plus a dash of salt and pepper. Lastly, a bit of olive oil helps sauté the broccoli to tender perfection.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp side salad; the acidity and crunch balance the richness of the dish. A side of steamed green beans or a light vinaigrette-dressed coleslaw also complements it nicely. And don't forget a glass of your favorite white wine to round out the meal.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it's nice and hot for the casserole. While that's warming up, grab a large skillet and heat over medium with your olive oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and give them a quick sauté, around 5 minutes, until they're tender-crisp. You want them vibrant green with a bit of bite.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine your cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful base for your casserole. Add in the sautéed broccoli, shredded chicken, and half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix everything until well combined.
Transfer this mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now comes the fun part — layer the frozen tater tots on top, covering the whole surface. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tots, ensuring every inch is covered.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's done when the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling invitingly. Let it rest for a good 5 minutes before digging in. This helps everything set up a bit.
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