Hey y’all! If you’re craving something cheesy, hearty, and downright satisfying, this tater tot casserole recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. With golden tater tots, a creamy beef and veggie filling, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s pure comfort food perfection—ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Super easy to make with minimal prep, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-pleaser—kids and adults both love the crispy, cheesy top.
- Customizable with your favorite proteins, veggies, or cheeses.
- Make-ahead friendly and tastes even better the next day.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping lunches.
Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cooking spray
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
- To the skillet, add cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, frozen vegetables, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, seasoned salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the beef and veggie mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the tots, then bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Notes for the Best Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- For extra flavor, try swapping cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to help set the filling for easier serving.
Variations on the Classic Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Breakfast Version: Swap beef for cooked breakfast sausage, add scrambled eggs, and top with pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or extra mixed veggies, and a vegetarian cream soup.
- Southwest Style: Mix in taco seasoning, black beans, and top with pepper jack cheese.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- To freeze, cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve with Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Pair with a crisp green salad or green bean casserole.
- Serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts for extra veggies.
- Top with chopped fresh parsley or scallions for a pop of color.
Pro Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Arrange tater tots in neat rows for even crisping.
- For a deeper golden crust, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—keep a close eye to avoid burning! See more tips on perfect casseroles here.
- Let the casserole rest before cutting to keep the filling from being too runny.
FAQ: Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Can I make this tater tot casserole recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Can I use different vegetables?
- Yes, substitute any frozen veggies you prefer or have on hand—just keep the total amount the same.
- How do I keep the tater tots crisp?
- Bake uncovered and arrange tater tots in a single layer. For extra crisp, broil for a couple of minutes at the end.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
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3Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
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4Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
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5Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
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6Bake for 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
480 caloriescal
Protein:
22gg
Fat:
28gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
38gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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