Tater Tot Casserole is a nostalgic and comforting dish that brings together crispy tater tots, a creamy mixture of ground beef, and a cheesy topping that everyone will love. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight, easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. The combination of crunchy tots on top and a savory filling underneath makes it a family favorite for a reason.
I love making this casserole when I want something that’s both simple and satisfying. One of my favorite tricks is to brown the beef with a little onion and garlic to boost the flavors before mixing it with the creamy sauce. I find that using frozen tater tots on top saves me time, and they get perfectly golden and crispy in the oven. It’s such a crowd-pleaser that leftovers rarely last more than a day in my house.
This casserole shines best served right from the oven with a fresh green salad or some steamed veggies on the side. I also like how versatile it is—you can add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table and makes mealtime feel easy and cozy, no matter the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the casserole. For a lighter version, try ground turkey or chicken. If you want a vegetarian twist, cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles work well.
Yellow Onion: Adds a mild sweetness when sautéed. If you don’t have yellow onions, white or red onions are good substitutes. You can also use onion powder in a pinch.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: It gives the creamy texture and flavor. You can swap it with cream of chicken or even make a simple homemade white sauce for fewer additives.
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots bring the crispy, comforting top layer. If you can’t find tots, use frozen hash browns or small diced potatoes. Fresh potatoes work too but take longer to bake.
Cheddar Cheese: It melts perfectly and adds flavor. You can use any cheese that melts well like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for variation.
How Do You Get Crispy Tater Tots on Top?
The key to crispy tater tots is proper oven temperature and timing. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot enough for crisping but not burning.
- Place frozen tots in a single, even layer to allow hot air to circulate around each one.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes; this lets the tots brown while the filling bubbles beneath.
- If your tots aren’t crispy enough after baking, you can broil for 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking; this helps the topping firm up and keeps tots crisp longer.
I like to lightly spray the tots with cooking spray before baking for an extra golden finish. Just make sure your oven is fully preheated, and you’ll get that perfect contrast of creamy filling and crunchy potatoes.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions evenly.
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – roomy enough for layering the beef mixture and tater tots.
- Mixing bowl – handy for combining the creamy soup mixture smoothly with the beef.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps stir and spread the ingredients without scratching your pans.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot casserole dish when taking it out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish while keeping great flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and a deeper layered taste.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different melt and a little spice.
- Stir in cooked green beans or corn with the beef mixture to boost nutrition and color.
Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 to 2 cups mixed vegetables (optional, such as peas, green beans, carrots)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil or butter
For The Topping:
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35 to 40 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 5 minutes for the casserole to cool slightly before serving. In total, plan for about 55 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the cooking oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients:
If using mixed vegetables, stir them into the beef and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Add the beef and vegetable mixture to this and stir until well combined.
3. Assemble and Bake the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the beef mixture completely. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the tots.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting and delicious Tater Tot Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Casserole?
Yes! Frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly. Just thaw or cook them briefly before adding to the beef mixture to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the tater tots crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Are Good Substitutes for Ground Beef?
You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Just cook and season as usual before assembling.