Easy Venison Tater Tot Casserole

This is the kind of hearty, cozy hotdish that belongs on the weekly rotation. Inspired by the Midwest classic, this wild game version features ground venison, savory creamy mushroom and chicken soups, green beans, sharp cheddar, and a whole layer of crispy tater tots. It comestogether in one skillet for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 lb ground venison
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained well
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Melt the butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onionand cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Add the ground venison and cook, breaking itup as it cooks, until just browned.
3. Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smokedpaprika, and black pepper. Stir and cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrantand seasonings are well mixed in.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cream of mushroom soup and cream ofchicken soup and stir until well combined and creamy.
5. Fold in the drained green beans until evenly distributed throughout the filling.
6. Spread the filling into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top,then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entiresurface.
7. Place the skillet, uncovered, in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the fillingis bubbling around the edges and the tater tots are deeply golden brown and crispy.
8. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.