Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together crispy, golden tater tots, creamy cheesy sauce, and a hearty mix of ground beef and veggies. It’s the kind of dish that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make, perfect for feeding a family or a crowd without too much fuss.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it’s a one-pan wonder that practically cooks itself in the oven. What’s great about it is the contrast between the crispy tots on top and the soft, savory filling underneath—every bite has a little crunch followed by that warm, cheesy goodness. I usually add a touch of seasoning and sometimes mix in frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and flavor.
My favorite way to serve tater tot casserole is right out of the baking dish, with a simple side salad to balance all the richness. It’s always a hit whether it’s a casual family dinner or a potluck. Plus, leftovers (if there are any) reheat really well, making it just as delicious the next day. If you’ve never tried it, this dish is a friendly, easy way to bring some cozy and tasty good times to your table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This adds hearty flavor and texture. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try cooked lentils or plant-based meat crumbles.
Mixed vegetables: Peas, carrots, and corn bring color and mild sweetness. Frozen veggies work great and save prep time. Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or green beans for extra crunch.
Cream of mushroom soup: This creates the creamy base. Use cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred. For a homemade touch, mix sour cream with a little broth and seasoning.
Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess to the filling. Greek yogurt is a good substitute if you want less fat but still creamy texture.
Cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and adds sharpness. You can mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or use Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Tater tots: The crispy topping is the star of the dish. If unavailable, frozen hashbrowns or diced potatoes work too. Just adjust baking time for crispiness.
How Do I Get Crispy Tater Tots on Top of My Casserole?
Getting tater tots perfectly crispy takes a little care. Here are some tips to help you nail it:
- Arrange tater tots in a single, tight layer. This helps heat reach all sides so they crisp evenly.
- Do not pre-cook the tots before baking; they’ll crisp up nicely in the oven with the casserole.
- Bake uncovered so steam can escape. Covering traps moisture and makes tots soggy.
- If your oven has a broil setting, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get extra crisp edges—just watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking. This allows the filling to thicken so the tots don’t get soggy when serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and holding all the layers together.
- Large skillet – to brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and veggies easily.
- Spoon or spatula – for stirring the filling and spreading it evenly in the baking dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you keep the ingredient amounts just right.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot casserole dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter flavor and fewer calories.
- Add sliced mushrooms or sautéed bell peppers for extra veggies and a bit more bite.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese along with cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
- Stir in cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions just before serving for added texture and flavor.
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake, making the total time about 50-55 minutes. The prep is simple and quick, while the baking ensures the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots turn golden and crispy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat and Veggies:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for 2-3 more minutes until they are just tender.
2. Mix the Filling:
Reduce the heat, then stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until you get a creamy mixture. Remove the skillet from heat.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a neat, single layer on top of the cheese. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the tater tots.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before sprinkling with fresh parsley or chives, if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Casserole?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent extra moisture that can make the casserole soggy.
Can I Prepare Tater Tot Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy tater tots layer, or microwave for a quicker option though tots may soften.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or celery soup works well. For a homemade alternative, mix sour cream or Greek yogurt with some chicken broth and seasoning to get a similar creamy texture.
