If you’re craving something indulgent, hearty, and packed with flavor, you’ve found your match. My Philly Cheesesteak Tater Tot Skillet recipe combines the iconic flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak with the crispy, golden perfection of tater tots.
Combining the legendary Philly cheesesteak with crispy tater tots, this one-pan wonder delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort.
From the perfectly caramelized veggies to the gooey cheese sauce and golden tots, every bite is a celebration of comfort food at its finest.
Whether you’re hosting game day or craving a crowd-pleasing dinner, this skillet is about to become your kitchen’s new superstar, but first let’s take a quick look at the ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Tater Tot Skillet Recipe?
- All-in-One Meal: This dish brings protein, veggies, and carbs together in one skillet, making it a complete meal. Less fuss, more deliciousness!
- Cheesy, Gooey Goodness: The creamy cheese sauce ties everything together, adding that irresistible richness.
- Customizable: Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Quick Prep, Big Payoff: You’ll be amazed at how easily this comes together with just a few simple steps.
Choose Your Ground Beef Preferences For This Tater Tot Recipe
Fat And Juicy | Lowest Fat Ground Beef
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Ingredients Needed To Make This Philly Cheesesteak Tater Tot Skillet Recipe
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to create this skillet sensation:
For the Cheesesteak Base:
- About 1 lb ground beef should be good (or even a thinly sliced ribeye steak works best for a more authentic flavor profile)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- One cup of earthy, flavorful cremini or button mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Creamy Milk (It is essential to have a full cup of creamy milk, either whole or half-and-half).
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or substitute with sharp cheddar)
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of paprika (optional)
For the Topping:
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- ½ cup shredded provolone or cheddar (for an extra cheesy finish)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Philly Cheesesteak Tater Tot Skillet Dish
Step 1: Preheating the Oven
Ignite your oven to 400°F (200°C) for a guaranteed crispy exterior and fluffy interior in your tater tots.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesesteak Base
Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large, oven-safe cast-iron skillet over medium heat followed by adding the diced onions, colorful bell peppers, and sliced cremini or button mushrooms.
Then, saute these veggie mixture for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
Now, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute followed by pushing the veggies to one side of the skillet and adding the ground beef.
You’ll need to cook this until browned and fully cooked, just make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Lastly, stir the veggies and beef together, then season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper followed by removing from heat and setting it aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a small pot or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 60 seconds, stirring constantly.
Next up, gradually add the milk, whisking to combine followed by cooking it until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes of cooking should do the trick).
And then, gently stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, tangy Dijon mustard, and smoky paprika, mixing until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well-combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Skillet
- Carefully drizzle the cheese sauce evenly over the sizzling beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
- To ensure optimal covering, I highly recommend that you arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Once the oven is preheated, place the skillet in there and roast the tater tots for about 28 to 35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
If you want to be fancy, I’d recommend sprinkling some freshly cut parsley on top and serving hot.
If possible, pair it with a simple green salad or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
A Quick History of Philly Cheesesteak: The Philly cheesesteak originated in Philadelphia in the 1930s, crafted by hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri. The hoagie bread with melted cheese and thinly sliced beef quickly became a city mainstay. This recipe takes those classic flavors and reimagines them in a playful, comforting skillet format.
Insider Secrets for a Perfect Skillet
- Cheese Variations: Provolone is the classic choice, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a cheese blend can work beautifully.
- Crispy Tots Hack: For extra-crispy tater tots, bake them separately for 10 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a kick.
Hosting Tips
This skillet is a crowd-pleaser for game days, potlucks, or family dinners. To make it extra special:
- I like to be a little adventurous therefore I strongly recommend serving it piping hot in a preheated cast-iron skillet for a hearty and rustic meal.
- Double the recipe and bake in a casserole dish for larger gatherings.
Tools of the Trade
The right kitchen tools can help you achieve precision, efficiency, and culinary excellence, here’s my best:
- Oven-Safe Skillet: A cast-iron skillet works best for even cooking and presentation.
- Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and smoothly, resulting in a creamier, richer texture.
- High-Quality Tater Tots: Opt for a brand known for crispiness.
Check out my favorite kitchen tools here.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively game-day party, with its rich flavors, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots, this skillet is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below, I’d love to hear your variations or tips! And don’t forget to share this recipe with your foodie friends.
Looking for more cozy Tater Tot Recipes? Check out my favorites below:
- Tater Tot Sushi Rolls: Crispy Fusion Tater Tot Recipe Idea
- Smoky Bacon Gouda Tater Tot Hotdish: A Spin on the Classic
- Vegan Southwest Tater Tot Hotdish: A Plant-Based Comfort Food
- Dairy-Free Herb-Infused Tater Tot Hotdish Without Cream Soup
- Mediterranean-Inspired Tater Tot Hotdish Without Cream Soup
- Korean BBQ Beef and Kimchi Tater Tot Bake (Tater Tot Recipe)
So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven and get ready to dig into the ultimate comfort food mashup. Your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Tater Tot Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour blend for the cheese sauce and ensure your tater tots are gluten-free.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
I’d recommend reheating this tater tot dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain that crispy texture of the tater tots.