This tater tot casserole with ground beef is a hearty comfort food classic that layers savory browned beef with creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and golden crispy tater tots on top. It’s the kind of one-dish meal that fills the house with mouthwatering aroma and makes weeknight dinners feel special. The combination of rich ground beef, creamy mushroom-style sauce, and melty Cheddar creates a satisfying base that both kids and adults love.
The casserole bakes until the tater tots crisp and the cheese bubbles, delivering a delicious contrast of textures. It’s simple to make with pantry-friendly ingredients and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings or casual gatherings around the dinner table.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the condensed soup and sour cream until well combined and heated through.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper; add optional garlic powder or paprika if desired.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of a lightly greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the tater tots are starting to brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar over the tater tots.
- Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Course: Main Course
How to Store
- Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through so the tater tots regain some crispness.
- Freezing fully cooked casserole may change texture; freeze assembled but unbaked for up to 2 months, then bake from frozen with extra time.
What Not to Do
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when browning the beef; it steams instead of browns.
- Do not skip draining excess fat; too much grease makes the casserole heavy.
- Do not place tater tots on before the base is hot; they may not crisp well.
- Do not overbake the casserole or the tots will dry out.
Tips & Variations
Add mixed vegetables like peas, corn, or carrots to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Sprinkle paprika or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
Use mozzarella or a cheese blend for extra meltiness.
Add a diced bell pepper with the onion for added color and flavor.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: ~24 g
- Total Fat: ~27 g
- Saturated Fat: ~12 g
- Carbohydrates: ~39 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~780 mg
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the condensed soup and sour cream until well combined and heated through.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper; add optional garlic powder or paprika if desired.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of a lightly greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the tater tots are starting to brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar over the tater tots.
- Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
-
- Protein: ~24 g
- Total Fat: ~27 g
- Saturated Fat: ~12 g
- Carbohydrates: ~39 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~780 mg
Conclusion
This tater tot casserole offers classic, cozy flavors in a single dish — rich ground beef, creamy sauce, crispy tots, and melted cheese come together for a satisfying meal that feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s simple to prepare with everyday ingredients and versatile enough to adapt to your family’s tastes. Enjoy it as a complete dinner with a side salad or steamed veggies for balance.
FAQs
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, stir in peas, corn, or diced bell peppers with the beef.
Can I use a different meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well.
Can this be made ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate; bake when ready.
How do I keep tater tots crispy?
Bake until tater tots are golden; reheat in oven not microwave.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free condensed soup and check cheese labels.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Freeze unbaked casserole; bake from frozen with extra time.
