This Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is the kind of crave-worthy, family-pleasing comfort food that brings everyone to the table with big smiles. Imagine a bubbling, savory mixture of perfectly seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, and melty cheddar cheese, all blanketed under a layer of golden, crispy tater tots. It’s hearty, filling, and endlessly satisfying — just right for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or potlucks when you need something totally irresistible and simple to make. If warm, gooey, cheesy casseroles make your heart (and appetite) happy, this dish is going to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how this Tater Tot Casserole Recipe comes together with humble, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a distinct role, lending flavor, texture, color, and that classic coziness you know and crave.

Ground beef: The hearty base of the casserole; rich in flavor and super satisfying.
Onion (diced): Adds a sweet, savory depth as it cooks with the beef for extra flavor.
Garlic (minced): Brings an aromatic punch that makes the casserole irresistible.
Cream of mushroom soup: Gives creamy body and that classic casserole comfort.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy, velvety touch that keeps every bite luscious.
Frozen mixed vegetables: Colorful, nutritious, and easy — they brighten up every forkful.
Worcestershire sauce: Boosts the umami and brings the savory flavors together perfectly.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balance and to bring out all the other flavors.
Shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melty, gooey, and cheesy — need we say more?
Frozen tater tots: The golden, crispy crown that makes every serving irresistible.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish — this ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze later. You’ll want your oven piping hot so those tater tots get supremely crispy!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are completely tender. This is where your kitchen starts smelling amazing!

Step 3: Add Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute. This brief sizzle coaxes out its deep flavor, infusing each bite with cozy warmth (without burning it).

Step 4: Add Creamy Ingredients & Vegetables

Drain excess grease, then stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and those frozen mixed veggies. Give it all a good mix — it should look thick, creamy, and absolutely packed with goodness.

Step 5: Mix in Cheese

Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. It will melt a little and help bind everything together with that classic casserole cheesiness.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Spread the creamy beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Top with a single, even layer of frozen tater tots, arranging them neatly if you like that extra crunch factor.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place the dish, uncovered, in the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the tater tots are gorgeously golden and crispy on top.

Step 8: Add Final Cheese & Finish Baking

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the hot tots. Return to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and perfectly melted.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Let your Tater Tot Casserole cool for a few minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This helps it set and makes serving oh-so-easy.

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way in making this Tater Tot Casserole Recipe look fresh and inviting. Chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a fresh, herby note. For something extra, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits can make each serving extra special.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is already loaded with protein, veggies, and carbs, keep the sides simple and fresh. A light green salad, some steamed broccoli, or a crisp cucumber salad balance the richness and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For family fun nights or parties, try baking and serving the casserole in individual ramekins. Or, dish it up into scoops and serve on a pretty platter with colorful sides. Tater Tot Casserole Recipe also makes a cheeky brunch main: serve it alongside scrambled eggs or fruit salad for something unexpected!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The casserole holds up beautifully and reheats well, so you’ll have an equally satisfying meal ready to go.

Freezing

This Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is wonderful for freezer meal prep! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the baking time, until hot and bubbly.

Reheating

For the crispiest tater tot topping, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncovered for the last 5 minutes. The microwave also works in a pinch, but the oven preserves that irresistible crunch.

FAQs

Can I swap the ground beef for another protein?

Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well here and lighten up the casserole. You might find turkey especially delicious with the same creamy sauce and crispy tots on top.

What if I don’t like cream of mushroom soup?

Feel free to swap in cream of chicken, cheddar, celery, or even a homemade cream sauce for a totally different flavor profile. This Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is very forgiving!

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Of course! Just chop your fresh veggies small so they cook evenly. Consider quickly sautéing heartier vegetables (like carrots) so everything bakes up tender in the casserole.

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the whole dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or meal planning!

How do I make it extra cheesy?

Double up the cheddar or add a blend with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for even more gooey goodness. You can also sprinkle a little cheese over the beef mixture before adding the tots for cheese in every layer!

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried this Tater Tot Casserole Recipe, it might just earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s hearty, easy, and absolutely delicious, making it a surefire favorite for all ages. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds — or thirds!

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Tater Tot Casserole recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that the whole family will love. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, mixed vegetables, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots come together in a delicious bake that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Tater Tots:

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess grease.
Prepare Beef Mixture: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and vegetables. Mix in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Assemble: Spread beef mixture in the baking dish, top with tater tots in a single layer.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until tater tots are crispy. Add remaining cheese on top and bake for 5–10 minutes more.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.