Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Tater Tot Casserole is a family-friendly dish layered with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, tender vegetables, and topped with golden, crispy tater tots. It’s quick to assemble, satisfying, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekends, this casserole is one you’ll want to pin and make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy tater tot topping with a creamy, cheesy filling
- Family favorite kids and adults love it
- Uses simple pantry and freezer staples
- Easy to prepare in under 1 hour
- Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, half of the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Spread mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead of mushroom.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Try mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 10–15 minutes to cook time.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F until heated through or reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- A crisp green salad with ranch dressing
- Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- A refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
No, bake them straight from frozen for best crispiness.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Use two 9×13-inch dishes or a large roasting pan.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use cream of celery soup.
Ready to Make It?
This Tater Tot Casserole brings together crispy, cheesy, and creamy in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into comfort food heaven. Whether for a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe is a winner—save it, share it, and make it part of your regular rotation.
You Might Also Like
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- Butternut Squash Chili – A hearty, cozy one-pot meal.
- Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – Perfect for chilly nights.
- Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges – Crispy, savory side dish.
Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A family-friendly comfort food classic made with ground beef, creamy sauce, mixed vegetables, and topped with crispy golden tater tots.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (optional)
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in soup, vegetables, half the cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Spread mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Arrange tater tots evenly on top.
6. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, bake 5 more minutes.
8. Cool slightly and serve.
Notes
Swap beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Use cream of chicken soup if preferred.
Add jalapeños for extra spice.
Try mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg