Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is one of those comfort food dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty casserole combines flavorful ground beef, creamy ingredients, and crispy tater tots to create a melty masterpiece your family will adore. It’s a nostalgic dish that often brings back fond memories of family dinners, and it’s no surprise that it’s a go-to recipe in many households. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy, satisfying meal, this casserole hits all the right notes.

Reasons You’ll Love This Dish

This Tater Tot Casserole is a meal that checks all the boxes: it’s quick, budget-friendly, and utterly satisfying. With the convenience of frozen tater tots and a minimal prep time, it’s a dish you can whip up with ease, even on the busiest of evenings. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike—who can resist that golden, crispy top? Not only is it perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it also shines at potlucks and gatherings, bringing smiles and full bellies. It’s homemade comfort food at its best.

"We devoured this casserole! It was so easy to make, and the kids couldn’t stop asking for seconds!" – A home cook in the reviews

The Cooking Process Explained

Making Tater Tot Casserole is a breeze! It starts with browning the beef and combining it with creamy elements, then layering it up with cheese and tater tots before it goes into the oven. The entire process takes less than an hour, making it a fantastic choice for a family meal. Plus, the layers of flavor develop beautifully as it bakes, leading to a dish that’s not just easy, but also incredibly tasty!

What You’ll Need

1 lb ground beef
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 small onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

Each ingredient adds its own magic, and feel free to mix it up! For example, you might opt for cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom, or switch up the cheese to include something like pepper jack for a bit of a kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot.
Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Toss in the diced onions and cook until they soften, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
Combine with the cream sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Layer in the casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
Add the cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Add the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Add the final cheese layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before diving in.

What to Serve It With

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but you might want to round out the meal with a refreshing side salad or some steamed vegetables. A bright, crunchy coleslaw or a simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully. For drinks, a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade can brighten it up even more.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

After you’ve relished your Tater Tot Casserole, you may have some leftovers to consider! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covering with foil to avoid drying out.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Don’t skip the cheese: For an extra cheesy dish, consider mixing different cheeses together or trying a cheese blend.
Customize it: Feel free to add veggies to the meat mixture, such as bell peppers or corn for an added pop of flavor and nutrition.
Opt for fresh beef: Use grass-fed or organic beef for a healthier option with better flavor.

Creative Twists

Looking to shake things up? Try these variations:

Spicy twist: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a kick.
Vegetarian option: Substitute the beef with black beans or lentils and use a veggie cream soup.
Change up the base: Instead of tater tots, you could use a layer of mashed potatoes or even spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare?
Total time is about 40-50 minutes from prep to baking.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken or make a homemade cheese sauce for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What should I serve alongside the casserole?
A fresh salad or roasted veggies pairs well with the richness of the casserole!

Enjoy making this comforting dish, and watch it become a beloved staple in your home, just like it has for so many others!

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Author: amir_hassan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Omnivore

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting Tater Tot Casserole filled with flavorful ground beef, creamy ingredients, and topped with crispy tater tots.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 small onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onions and cook until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices, then drain any excess fat.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, heating through for 2-3 minutes.
Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Remove from oven, top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American