$pent Millennial

I don’t know about you, but typically on Mondays by 5 pm, I am ready to log off, turn off my brain and curl up with a cheesy Lifetime movie- especially now that fall is here. The days are getting shorter and the air crisper, perfect for curling up in a blanket with your favorite fur baby and ordering in. Unfortunately, I don’t have “Ordering in Money”. 

So, instead I have come to an enjoyable routine on Monday evenings that doesn’t include DoorDash or pizza pick up, but is equally comforting and possibly even more mindful. I have come to enjoy it so much that I almost look forward to Mondays… I said almost. 

Monday evenings some time between 5 and 6 (my doggo, Rocky, is very strict with the 6pm cut off time 🐕 ) I log off of work and put in my headphones with an end-of-workday playlist to jam out to while walking Rocky. We soak in the fresh air and get our blood flowing. The walk and music is a perfect way for me to transition from “work mode” into home and family mode. After the walk, I feed Rocky, put on an episode of ‘Til Debt Do Us Part  on YouTube and start on dinner. If you can’t see your TV from your kitchen, you can always put on a favorite podcast.

Typically, since it is Monday and I am in need of a big bowl of comfort, I make some form of cheesy pasta casserole. Since we are entering into fall, a perfect time to load up on all the carbs and cheese (as if it is ever NOT a perfect time), I will share the carbo-loaded casserole that combines two favorite comfort foods- Macaroni and Cheese & Potatoes. 

I have shared the recipe below. Give it a try, adjust as desired and let me know what you think! 

Mac and Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Elbow Noodles
• Cheese packet from Great Value Brand Boxed Mac and Cheese (Save the pasta for a different time, or use it instead of elbow noodles) 
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1 ½ can of milk (measured with soup can) 
• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
• ½ bag of meatless crumbles (or substitute with your choice of meat/meatless option)
• Tater tots (enough to line the casserole pan)
• Seasoning to taste (I typically use: Garlic Powder, Paprika, Creole Seasoning, Black Pepper and Chili Powder or Cayenne Powder for a bit of spice)  

Instructions:

Preparing the Tater Tots:

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
• Bake the Tater Tots: Spread tater tots evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. Set aside once done.

Cooking the Elbow Noodles:

• Boil Water: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil.
• Cook the Pasta: Add the elbow noodles and cook for 9-11 minutes, or until they’re al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

• Melt Butter: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Create the Cheese Roux: Add the cheese powder and use it as a “flour” to make a cheesy roux. Whisk until well combined.
• Incorporate Soup and Milk: Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. – If it looks like it won’t cover the pasta and tots, you can add more milk as needed.
• Season: Add seasoning to taste
• Reduce Heat: Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Optional: Add Shredded Cheese: For an extra cheesy kick, add in the shredded cheese. Stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated.

Preparing the Protein:

• Heat the meatless crumbles in the microwave according to package instructions, or prepare your choice of meat/meatless alternative appropriately.
• Add the meat/ meatless into the cheese sauce and stir until they’re evenly distributed.

Assembling the Casserole:

• Butter/Grease the Casserole Pan: Ensure the pan is well-buttered or greased to prevent sticking.
• Layer with Tater Tots: Line the bottom of the casserole pan with the baked tater tots.
• Add Cooked Pasta: Spread the cooked elbow noodles evenly over the tater tots.
• Pour on the Cheese Sauce: Cover the pasta with the creamy cheese sauce.
• Optional: Add More Cheese: For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Baking the Casserole:

• Bake in the Oven: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
• Serve and Enjoy!: Allow it to cool slightly before serving. This casserole is best enjoyed while it’s still warm and gooey.