Tater tot casserole is a popular comfort food in America that adults and children alike enjoy indulging in. But it can also be quite high in fat and sodium if it is made in the traditional manner. In our health-conscious society that places more emphasis on looking and feeling good, healthier ways to cook are always required for people who want to achieve the desired look. Read on to find out more about how to create a healthier version of tater tot casserole.
The base of the tater tot casserole starts with the meat. Minced beef is usually used to make tater tot casserole. To make a healthier choice when choosing the meat, opt for 1lb of 93% lean beef and once the meat has been browned, drain off all the visible fat. Then let the meat sit for a few minutes in the pan. Take a paper towel and mop up any excess fat from the pan before you add the other ingredients. Or if you would like to cut down on the meat content, add just 1/2lb of meat and then double the amount of vegetables that you will be using. This will not only instantly cut the fat and calories from the tater tot casserole. It will also increase the fibre content of the meal.
Tater tot casserole can be made with your favourite selection of vegetables. Choose from carrots, peas, sweetcorn, green beans, cauliflower or any other vegetables. Frozen or fresh vegetables contain a higher content of vitamins, minerals and fibre. But canned also work well when you do not have time to use fresh or frozen vegetables. Just be sure to thoroughly drain and rinse vegetables before adding them to the meat. This will drastically reduce the sodium content of the finished tater tot casserole.
Cream of mushroom soup gives tater tot casserole a great taste that binds all the ingredients together, creating a smooth, creamy texture as you first bite into the tater tot casserole. Choose a brand that is lower in sodium and fat than regular brands of cream of mushroom soup and mix in fat-free or soya milk for a richer, but healthier result.
Tater tot casserole is a delicious comfort food. It does not have to lose any of its flavour if you choose to create a healthier version. With some careful planning and simple changes, it is possible to make a healthy tater tot casserole.
