Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
There’s just something about crispy tater tots, gooey melted cheese, and creamy beef filling that makes my whole day better.
This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the definition of comfort food. It’s the dish you bring to potlucks, the one your kids cheer for, and the one that disappears before you can go back for seconds (true story in my house last week).
What I love most? It’s super easy. No weird ingredients. No fancy steps. Just classic, simple goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole
- It’s made with basic pantry ingredients
- Takes just 45–50 minutes total
- Has layers of beefy, cheesy, creamy flavor
- Crispy on top, melty in the middle = dreamy combo
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or leftovers
This is one of those meals that just works. Everyone loves it.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this cozy tater tot bake:
- 1 lb ground beef – the hearty base
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – creamy richness
- 1/2 cup sour cream – makes it velvety
- 1 small onion, diced – adds flavor depth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – melty, sharp goodness
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots – the crispy crown
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Optional spices – garlic powder, paprika, or your favorites
Let’s Make It – Step by Step
1. Preheat Your Oven
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are.
2. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your 1 lb ground beef.
Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent.
Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika.
Drain the fat once cooked.
3. Mix In the Sauce
Add the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to the beef mixture.
Stir it all together and cook for 2–3 minutes until creamy and heated through.
4. Build the Casserole
Grease a casserole dish (9×13 is perfect).
Spread the beef and mushroom mixture evenly in the bottom.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef layer.
5. Top with Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
Make sure they’re nice and even so they get extra crispy.
6. Bake It
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
This is when the magic happens—everything melts together perfectly.
7. More Cheese, Please
Take it out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Bake for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes so it sets up a bit.
Then dig in!
Tips & Tasty Add-Ons
- Add Worcestershire sauce to the beef for extra flavor.
- Top with green onions or parsley for a pop of freshness.
- Serve with salad or steamed veggies to round out your meal.
- Leftovers? Pop them in the oven or microwave—they reheat like a dream.
This One’s a Keeper
Honestly, if there’s one meal I can count on to make the whole house happy, it’s this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef.
It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it’s simple enough to throw together even on your busiest night.
Go ahead and make it tonight—you’ll see what I mean.
Once you do, don’t be surprised if it ends up on your weekly rotation!
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Method
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your 1 lb ground beef.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika.
- Drain the fat once cooked.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to the beef mixture.
- Stir it all together and cook for 2–3 minutes until creamy and heated through.
- Grease a casserole dish (9×13 is perfect).
- Spread the beef and mushroom mixture evenly in the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Make sure they’re nice and even so they get extra crispy.
- Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- This is when the magic happens—everything melts together perfectly.
- Take it out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes so it sets up a bit.
Notes
Tips & Tasty Add-Ons
- Add Worcestershire sauce to the beef for extra flavor.
- Top with green onions or parsley for a pop of freshness.
- Serve with salad or steamed veggies to round out your meal.
- Leftovers? Pop them in the oven or microwave—they reheat like a dream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed—add 5 extra minutes to the baking time since it’s going in cold.
Can I freeze tater tot casserole?
Definitely. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it tightly in foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, try cream of chicken or cream of celery. You can also make a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk for a more natural alternative.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Technically yes, but it won’t be the same dish. Tater tots give that crispy, golden top that makes this recipe special. If using fresh potatoes, slice thin and par-bake them before layering.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions or the whole pan tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For crispy tots again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Fun Variations to Try
- Add veggies: Mix in frozen peas, corn, green beans, or diced bell peppers with the beef.
- Spicy kick: Stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Different cheeses: Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Meat swap: Ground turkey or chicken works great if you’re avoiding red meat.
What to Serve With It
Even though it’s a full meal on its own, here are a few easy sides:
- A simple green salad with ranch or vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Pickles or coleslaw for a fresh, tangy bite
- Dinner rolls or garlic bread for a little carb-on-carb action (you know you want to)
