A Comforting, Family-Friendly Classic
Few dishes bring back warm, nostalgic memories like Tater Tot Casserole. This hearty, cheesy, and delicious comfort food is a Midwestern favorite, featuring layers of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots on top.
I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, a family dinner, or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works well as a lighter alternative to beef.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
Yes! Cover tightly with foil and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50-60 minutes.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Frozen peas, corn, green beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers all work great in this recipe.
Q: How do I make this dish extra creamy?
Use a mix of sour cream and cream cheese along with the soup for an extra rich and creamy texture.
What You Need to Make Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir for 1 minute.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and milk until well combined.
- Mix in frozen peas or corn, if using.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the beef layer.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top and bake for 5 more minutes until melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole
✔ Use seasoned ground beef – Worcestershire sauce adds great depth of flavor.
✔ For a crispy topping – Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end.
✔ Want a spicier version? – Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
✔ Make it extra cheesy – Add a layer of cream cheese under the tater tots.
✔ For a breakfast version – Replace the ground beef with sausage and scrambled eggs!
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “This casserole was a HUGE hit with my family! The cheese and tater tots made it extra comforting.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Super easy to make! I used ground turkey and added green beans—so good!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Classic, simple, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Added jalapeños for spice—WOW! Definitely making this again.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “A nostalgic, comforting dish that everyone loved! Freezing leftovers worked great, too!”
Printable Recipe
Tater Tot Casserole
This Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food loaded with cheesy ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots—perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir for 1 minute.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and milk until well combined.
- Mix in frozen peas or corn, if using.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the beef layer.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top and bake for 5 more minutes until melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Tater Tot Casserole, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a friend who loves comfort food. Nothing beats sharing a warm, cheesy dish with family and friends! Tag me if you try it!
