Tater tot casserole is the ultimate comfort food: crispy tater tots layered over a creamy, savory filling of ground beef, cheese, and vegetables. This classic American dish is budget-friendly, requires minimal prep work, and can feed a family with ease. Here’s everything you need to know to make a simple and delicious version at home.
Ingredients
For a classic tater tot casserole, you’ll need these basic ingredients:
Main Components:
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots (keep frozen until ready to use)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Vegetables (optional):
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion for about 7-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened, add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute. If there’s excess fat, drain most of it from the pan.
3. Create the Creamy Mixture
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until well combined. If using vegetables like corn or green beans, add them now. Mix in about ½ to 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for later. Let the mixture heat through for a minute or two.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the meat mixture. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire surface. No need to thaw the tots, they work best straight from the freezer!
5. Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. For extra crispiness, you can move the rack to the top third of the oven or broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
6. Serve
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or scallions if desired.
Tips for Success
Achieving Crispy Tater Tots: To ensure your tater tots stay crispy and don’t become soggy, arrange them in a single layer and keep them frozen until you’re ready to top the casserole. Baking at 375-400°F helps achieve that golden, crunchy texture.
Seasoning Each Layer: The secret to a flavorful casserole is seasoning every component. Season the beef as it cooks, taste your creamy mixture, and don’t be afraid to add extra salt, pepper, or spices like Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or garlic powder.
Mixing vs. Layering: While traditional recipes layer ingredients separately, mixing the cooked beef with the soup, sour cream, vegetables, and some cheese creates a more flavorful filling that won’t dry out during baking.
Protein Variations: For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also make a vegetarian version using mixed vegetables and plant-based protein.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover tater tot casserole in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven for the best texture, or use the microwave for a quick option.
What to Serve With It
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a fresh green salad, corn on the cob, or steamed green beans. Since it already contains protein, starch, and vegetables in one dish, minimal accompaniments are needed.
With just 10 minutes of prep time and simple pantry ingredients, this tater tot casserole delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
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Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A simple and delicious comfort food featuring crispy tater tots layered over a creamy, savory filling of ground beef, cheese, and vegetables. Perfect weeknight dinner that feeds the whole family.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (85/15)
32 oz frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 medium onion, diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1 can (12 oz) corn, drained (optional)
1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown ground beef with diced onion for 7-8 minutes. Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute. Drain excess fat.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and optional vegetables. Mix in 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups cheese. Heat through.
4. Transfer beef mixture to baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Arrange frozen tater tots in single layer.
5. Bake uncovered 35-45 minutes until tots are golden and crispy.
6. Let rest a few minutes. Garnish with parsley or scallions if desired.
Notes
Keep tater tots frozen until ready to use for maximum crispiness.
Season each layer for best flavor.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheat in oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
