Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With a hearty mix of ground beef, creamy soup, and crispy golden tater tots on top, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This casserole is a classic American favorite that delivers rich flavor and a crunchy texture in every bite.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beefonion (chopped)garlic (minced)cream of mushroom soupmilkfrozen mixed vegetables (optional)shredded cheddar cheesefrozen tater totssaltpeppercooking spray
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing until well combined.
Add in frozen mixed vegetables if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 35-40 minutesCooling time: 5 minutesTotal time: 55-60 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a flavor twist.
Add jalapeños or green chiles for a spicy kick.
Use seasoned tater tots for extra flavor.
Top with crispy bacon bits before serving for added crunch.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.Freeze the casserole for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I have to cook the tater tots first?
No, they will cook and crisp up in the oven during baking.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely, just sauté them lightly before adding to the mixture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not typically, due to the soup and tots, but you can use gluten-free alternatives.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or Colby work well too.
Can I add extra spices?
Yes, try adding paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for more flavor.
Why is my casserole watery?
This may happen if the frozen vegetables release too much moisture. Sautéing them first can help.
Do tater tots stay crispy?
Yes, especially if arranged in a single layer and baked uncovered.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, use two baking dishes or a large deep pan and increase baking time slightly.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, low-fat cheese and soup can be substituted to reduce calories.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious, satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare and loved by all ages. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore creative variations, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. With its warm, creamy interior and crispy topping, this casserole delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
Print
Tater Tot Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole / Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting, hearty casserole featuring ground beef, creamy sauce, vegetables, and crispy tater tots baked into a delicious, family‑friendly one‑dish meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with chopped onion until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until mixture is heated through, about 3–4 minutes.
- Spread the meat and vegetable mixture in an even layer in a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar on top and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until tots are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or celery for variation.
- Use sweet potato tots or seasoned tots for added flavor.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey and low‑fat milk or soup.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days—reheat in oven or microwave until warm.