Tater Tot Casserole
I grew up on this cozy, no-fuss tater tot casserole — a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a weeknight. It’s a layered bake of seasoned ground beef and onion, a creamy binder, a blanket of cheddar, and a crispy top of frozen tater tots. Fast to assemble, kid-approved, and forgiving if you want to tweak it, this is the kind of recipe that disappears fast and earns repeat requests. If you like easy casseroles, you might also enjoy this take on a similar comfort classic: easy tater tot casserole.
Why you’ll love this dish
This casserole checks a lot of boxes: it’s simple, budget-friendly, and makes great leftovers. You don’t need specialty ingredients — the pantry staples do all the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or those nights when you want comfort food without a long list of steps. Plus, the contrast between a creamy beef layer and crisp tater tots on top is satisfying and textural — a real crowd-pleaser.
“An instant family favorite — easy assembly, cheesy perfection, and tater tots that get wonderfully crispy. Weeknight magic.”
The cooking process explained
Before you dive in, here’s what to expect: brown beef and sauté onion, stir in cream soup to bind and season, spread that mix in a baking dish, sprinkle with cheddar, arrange frozen tots on top, and bake until golden and bubbling. Plan for about 10–15 minutes prep and 30–35 minutes baking. Little hands can help place the tater tots, and the oven does the rest.
What you’ll need
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is fine for flavor; leaner works too)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5–11 oz) — can substitute cream of chicken or celery for a different flavor
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild; freshly shredded melts best)
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 20–32 oz bag; use amount to fit a 9×13)
- 1 small onion, chopped (yellow or sweet)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Notes: If you want a lighter version, swap half the beef for cooked diced mushrooms or use ground turkey. For a cheesier top, grate extra cheddar and sprinkle before baking. If you’re looking for creative crossovers, try an alternate twist like this shepherd’s pie-style casserole: Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole.
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onion is translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Return the skillet to low heat. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper. Mix until combined and warm. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the beef layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If you want extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets up a bit.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve slices straight from the pan with bright, contrasting sides. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli cut through the richness. For extra texture, top servings with chopped scallions or a spoonful of salsa. Want a heartier plate? A dollop of sour cream and a side of steamed corn are classic partners. If you like mixing casseroles, you may enjoy pairing it with other hearty variations like this Cracked-Out Chicken version: Cracked-Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the baking dish or in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave (1–2 minutes, checking) or in a 350°F oven until warmed through (15–20 minutes).
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, reheat in the oven so the tots can regain some crispness.
- Food safety: Cool to room temperature no longer than 2 hours before refrigerating. Reheat leftovers to at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Extra advice
- Drain the beef: Removing excess fat prevents a greasy casserole, but leave a tablespoon for flavor if desired.
- Cheese choice: Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded (the anti-caking agents can affect melt).
- Crisp tots: For extra-crispy tots, bake at 375°F for the last 10 minutes or finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Use convection if available to boost crisping.
- Add-ins: Stir in a cup of frozen peas, a diced bell pepper, or a can of drained green chilies into the beef layer for more veggies and flavor.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time if starting cold.
Recipe variations
- Classic swap: Use cream of chicken instead of mushroom for a milder flavor.
- Tex-Mex: Mix taco seasoning into the beef, top with pepper jack cheese, and serve with salsa, cilantro, and avocado.
- Vegetarian: Replace beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based crumbled “beef” and use vegetable cream soup.
- Loaded tots: Before baking, sprinkle cooked bacon bits and diced jalapeño over the cheese for a loaded version.
- Low-carb-ish: Use cauliflower tots or thinly sliced roasted potatoes instead of tater tots.
Helpful answers
Q: How long does this take from start to finish?
A: About 10–15 minutes active prep and 30–35 minutes baking — plan for roughly 45 minutes total.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a potluck?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if chilled. Transport in the baking dish and reheat in an oven if possible.
Q: How can I keep the tater tots crispy on leftovers?
A: Reheat in a preheated 400°F oven on a baking sheet for 10–15 minutes instead of the microwave. A quick broil at the end crisps the top, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works; they’re leaner so consider adding a teaspoon of olive oil when cooking the onion to prevent dryness and enhance flavor.
Conclusion
If you want a dependable, crowd-pleasing weeknight meal, this tater tot casserole is a winner — quick to assemble, versatile, and deeply comforting. For a version with a video walkthrough and reader tips, check out this detailed guide: Tater Tot Casserole Recipe (with Video). For another highly rated family-style spin and extra topping ideas, see The BEST Tater Tot Casserole – Mom On Timeout.
Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onion is translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Return the skillet to low heat. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper. Mix until combined and warm. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the beef layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If you want extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets up a bit.
