Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any family gathering or weeknight dinner, it’s Tater Tot Casserole. This comfort food classic layers seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, gooey cheese, and plenty of crispy golden tater tots into one irresistible bake. Every bite is a delightful mix of crunchy, creamy, and savory flavors—plus, it’s easy enough to throw together on a busy night, making it a staple everyone should have in their recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every item for this Tater Tot Casserole works triple duty: simple, affordable, and absolutely essential to get that perfect blend of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!
- Ground beef: Offers savory richness and hearty protein—the essential “base” of the casserole.
- Frozen tater tots (about 32 oz): These get crispy on top and soak up flavor underneath, creating the signature crunch.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Adds creamy, umami goodness that brings everything together—don’t substitute for best authenticity!
- Shredded cheese (1–2 cups, cheddar or your favorite): Melts into gooey perfection, adding a luscious layer of flavor you’ll crave.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1–1½ cups): Tossed in straight from the freezer, they sneak in extra color, flavor, and a touch of nutrition.
- Onion (diced): Rounds out the filling with aromatic sweetness and a little bite.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Key for balanced flavor—don’t be shy with seasoning!
- Sour cream (½ cup, optional): If you want a little tang and even creamier texture, toss some in!
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Boosts depth and aroma of the casserole’s base.
- Milk or broth (2–3 tbsp, only if needed): Use if your filling is too thick; makes mixing a breeze.
- Extra cheese for topping (½–1 cup): A blanket of cheese makes that crispy finish even more inviting.
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Brown & Season the Beef
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains. Toss in the diced onion and let it soften, releasing that delicious aroma. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a savory base. Drain off excess grease for the perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Once the meat and onions are ready, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and those handy frozen mixed vegetables. If you’re in the mood for extra creaminess, add the sour cream now. Give everything a good stir—if it seems too thick, a splash of milk or broth will loosen things up nicely.
Step 3: Cool the Mixture
This small step makes a big difference: let the filling cool for about 10 minutes. This prevents the tater tots from soaking up too much moisture, so they’ll stay beautifully crispy in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble the Tater Tot Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the beef and veggie filling evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top, giving each a little nudge to fit snugly. Poking a few holes in the tots helps steam escape, keeping everything crisp.
Step 5: Bake & Serve
Slide the casserole into your hot oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crunchy and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for five minutes before serving for easy slicing and the best taste.
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole
Garnishes
Turn things up a notch with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions right before serving. Some people love a little dollop of extra sour cream or even a drizzle of hot sauce to bring out the flavors of the Tater Tot Casserole.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or even some tangy pickles for a contrast that makes the main event pop. Some folks swear by applesauce on the side for an old-school sweet-and-savory treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving a crowd? Spoon your Tater Tot Casserole into individual ramekins for a cute, personal touch. For gatherings, cut squares and serve them on a platter with skewers—perfect for potlucks. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can drizzle each serving with a bit of cheese sauce or sprinkle with smoked paprika for color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days—flavors meld wonderfully, making leftovers even more irresistible. Just be sure to keep the tots covered so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Tater Tot Casserole anytime? Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake it), cover it well, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, just bake from frozen—add an extra 10 to 15 minutes of bake time and check that the center is hot and bubbly.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, uncovered, until hot and the tots regain their crisp. You can microwave single servings to save time, but the oven really does wonders for tofu keeping the texture on point.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both great alternatives for a lighter version of Tater Tot Casserole. Just keep an eye on seasonings, since they have a milder flavor than beef.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the ground meat for vegetarian crumbles, black beans, or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils. Make sure your soup and cheese are vegetarian-friendly, and you’ll have an equally satisfying casserole.
Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole the day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When it’s time to bake, just pop it in the oven; you might need a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s the best way to get the tots extra crispy?
Avoid thawing your tater tots before baking, and try arranging them in a single, tight layer. If you love crunch, finish under the broiler for a couple minutes at the end (but watch closely so they don’t burn).
Can I add other vegetables or mix-ins?
Of course! Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, chopped spinach, or even jalapeños for a little kick. Tater Tot Casserole is endlessly customizable, making it easy to use up what’s in your fridge.
Final Thoughts
If cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort is what you’re after, Tater Tot Casserole has you covered every single time. Don’t let its simplicity fool you—this dish is packed with flavor and always delivers on crispiness and creamy goodness. It’s just waiting to become your new dinnertime tradition, so grab those tots and let’s get baking!
Print
Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheese. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 lb
Frozen Tater Tots:
1 bag (about 32 oz)
Cream of Mushroom Soup:
1 can (10.5 oz)
Shredded Cheese:
1-2 cups (cheddar or your choice)
Frozen Mixed Vegetables:
1-1½ cups (no need to thaw)
Onion:
1 (diced)
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Sour Cream:
½ cup (optional)
Garlic Powder:
½ tsp
Milk or Broth:
2-3 tbsp (only if mixture is too thick)
Extra Cheese:
½-1 cup (for topping)
Instructions
- Brown & Season: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain the grease.
- Mix Filling: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, frozen vegetables, and sour cream (if using). Add a splash of milk or broth if the mixture seems too thick.
- Cool Mixture: Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes to prevent soggy tots.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread meat mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Poke holes in the frozen tater tots and arrange them evenly on top.
- Bake & Serve: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, until tots are golden and crispy. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Casserole Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner
