Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Tater Tot casserole is a classic comfort food that combines savory beef, creamy soup, crispy tots, and gooey cheese in every bite. It’s a beloved dish for busy weeknights and potlucks alike.
This version of Tater Tot casserole requires just five everyday ingredients and delivers hearty, crowd-pleasing flavor in under an hour.
Ingredients That Make This Tater Tot Casserole Shine
Ground beef – A savory, protein-packed base that gives the casserole its hearty, satisfying flavor.
Cream of mushroom soup – Adds a creamy, umami-rich sauce that brings the beef and tots together.
Frozen tater tots – Crisp up beautifully in the oven, providing texture and a golden topping.
Cheddar cheese – Melts over the tots into a bubbly, flavorful layer of cheesy goodness.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasoning that enhances every component without overpowering.
Step-by-Step: Building the Best Tater Tot Casserole
This Tater Tot casserole comes together quickly—cook the beef, mix in the soup, and layer the ingredients in a dish. Bake until the tots are golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Recipe Tips for the Perfect Tater Tot Casserole
For extra richness, stir a handful of shredded cheese directly into the beef mixture before layering. To spice it up, try adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef. A sprinkle of garlic or onion powder also deepens the flavor.
How to Store Leftovers from Your Tater Tot Casserole
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture, or microwave for a quicker option. This dish also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and offers a lighter option. You may want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I use a different soup?
Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are good alternatives if you don’t have mushroom.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
No, use them straight from the freezer. They’ll crisp up perfectly in the oven.
Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 16 ounce package frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Assemble all necessary ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef thoroughly, stirring frequently, for 7 to 10 minutes until it becomes crumbly and loses its pink hue. Blend in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
- Evenly distribute the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a uniform layer atop the meat, then generously scatter shredded Cheddar cheese across the surface.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the tater tots achieve a golden hue and are heated through, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately.
