Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—crispy golden tater tots layered over a creamy, savory filling of ground beef, veggies, and cheese. It’s a simple, one-dish meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this casserole always disappears fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this casserole because it’s incredibly easy to throw together with ingredients I almost always have on hand. The creamy meat and veggie base is flavorful and comforting, and the crispy tater tots on top give it just the right crunch. It’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and makes amazing leftovers. Plus, I only need one baking dish, which means less cleanup.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Ground beef
-
Onion, chopped
-
Garlic, minced
-
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
-
Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
-
Shredded cheddar cheese
-
Salt and pepper
-
Frozen tater tots
-
Optional: Worcestershire sauce or beef broth for added flavor
-
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Directions
-
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef and onion until browned. I add garlic and cook for another minute.
-
I drain any excess fat, then stir in the cream of mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, and a bit of salt and pepper.
-
I pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly.
-
I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
-
I arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, making sure they cover the entire surface.
-
I bake the casserole for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling.
-
I let it cool for a few minutes before serving and top with fresh herbs if I want to dress it up.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 35–40 minutes to bake, so I can have it ready in just under an hour.
Variations
-
I use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a twist.
-
For a creamier base, I mix in a little sour cream or cream cheese with the soup.
-
I sometimes add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for a little heat.
-
I swap the frozen veggies for fresh sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. The tater tots lose some crispiness in the fridge, but they still taste great.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze tater tot casserole?
Definitely. I freeze it unbaked or baked, tightly covered. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What can I serve with it?
I like to serve it with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or fruit on the side to balance out the richness.
Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?
Nope! I swap in cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce if I want something different.
How do I keep the tater tots crispy?
I don’t cover the casserole while baking so the tater tots can get golden and crispy on top. If I want extra crunch, I broil it for the last 2–3 minutes.
Conclusion
Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole is a cozy, classic dish that never fails to satisfy. I love how easy it is to customize and how family-friendly it is. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just want an easy dinner that delivers comfort in every bite, this casserole always comes through.
Print
Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring a creamy ground beef and vegetable filling topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, it’s simple, delicious, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or 1/4 cup beef broth
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in the cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce or beef broth if using.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or sausage as an alternative to ground beef.
- Mix in sour cream or cream cheese with the soup for a creamier filling.
- Add hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Swap frozen vegetables for fresh options like sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispy tater tots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
