The Best Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole is a classic, hearty dish that’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The crispy, golden tater tots provide a satisfying crunch while the creamy and flavorful beef filling offers comfort in every bite. It’s simple to prepare, requires only a few ingredients, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a large family or just want an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole has you covered.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 can cheddar cheese soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 package frozen tater tots

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.

3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until softened.

4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.

5. Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.

7. Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

9. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Total Time: 55 minutes (Preparation: 10 minutes, Cooking: 45 minutes)

Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat altogether and add extra veggies such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.

• Spicy: Add a bit of heat by stirring in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

• Different Soups: Use cream of chicken soup or other variations to alter the flavor profile of the casserole.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, frozen ground beef can be used, but it’s important to thaw it thoroughly before cooking to ensure even browning.

2. Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge overnight before baking. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different type of potato for this casserole?

While tater tots are the classic choice, you can experiment with other frozen potato products, such as hashbrowns or seasoned potato wedges.

4. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and other gluten-free ingredients.

5. Can I make Tater Tot Casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Assemble the casserole in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the tater tots during the last 30 minutes.

6. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Fresh potatoes aren’t the best substitute for this recipe, as they won’t get as crispy as the frozen tater tots. Stick with the frozen variety for the best result.

7. How can I make the casserole spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.

8. Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake it from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour.

9. How do I keep the tater tots from getting soggy?

Make sure to layer the tater tots evenly and don’t overcrowd them. Baking them until they’re golden and crispy before serving will also help keep them crispy.

10. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans make great additions to Tater Tot Casserole. Just stir them into the beef mixture before baking.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s quick, easy, and sure to please a crowd. It’s a simple dish that combines beef, cheese, and tater tots in a way that everyone will love. With plenty of options to customize and make it your own, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Print

The Best Tater Tot Casserole

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory beef, creamy cheese, and crispy tater tots into one easy, hearty meal. Perfect for busy nights or family gatherings, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, diced

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cheddar cheese soup

1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 package frozen tater tots

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
5. Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
7. Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
• If you like spice, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
• Use different soups (like cream of chicken) to adjust the flavor.
• Can be made ahead and baked later, or frozen for up to 3 months before baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg