The Coziest Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering tater tot casserole with ground beef promises pure comfort on a plate.

Layers of crispy potatoes and savory meat create a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

Midwestern kitchens often showcase this simple yet satisfying dish as a go-to crowd-pleaser.

Home cooks love how quickly it comes together with minimal effort.

Packed with protein and potatoes, this casserole delivers maximum flavor in every single bite.

Cheese melts perfectly between golden tater tots, creating irresistible texture and richness.

You’ll want to make extra because everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

What Makes Tater Tot Casserole So Comforting

• A hearty one-dish meal that wraps you in pure comfort food goodness, perfect for satisfying hungry families and picky eaters alike.
• Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this casserole a breeze to assemble, ideal for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Flexible recipe allows quick substitutions like different vegetables or cheese varieties, letting you personalize the dish to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Crispy tater tots and cheesy beef create an irresistible combination that children will devour, transforming mealtime into a delightful experience for the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Tater Tot Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base for the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy binding sauce for the dish.

• Sour Cream: Adds richness and tangy flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that provides extra flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook ground beef and onions smoothly.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that enhances meat flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning for balanced taste.
• Frozen Peas or Green Beans: Optional vegetable for added nutrition.

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato layer that creates the signature casserole texture.

• Cooking Spray or Oil: Prevents casserole from sticking to baking dish.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions turn soft and see-through.

Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat is completely browned.

Want some extra veggies?

Throw in some frozen peas or green beans.

Season with salt and pepper.

Drain any extra grease.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Blend

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Layer the Deliciousness

Spread the cooked beef across the bottom of the baking dish.

Pour the creamy soup mixture over the meat.

Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese.

Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots on top.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven for 35-40 minutes.

You’re looking for golden-brown, crispy tater tots.

Pull it out and shower the top with remaining cheese.

Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving a breeze.

Dig in and savor every cheesy, crispy bite!

Golden Tips for Perfect Tater Tots

• Pat tater tots dry before placing them on the casserole to ensure maximum crispiness and avoid excess moisture.
• Sauté ground beef with a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme for enhanced taste complexity.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with low-fat Greek yogurt and use lean ground beef to reduce overall calorie content.
• Mix in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or diced zucchini to increase nutritional value and add vibrant color to the casserole.
• Tent the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 5-7 minutes of baking to prevent cheese from burning while ensuring perfect melting.

How to Reheat and Store with Ease

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the casserole's taste.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the tater tots.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Check temperature to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness if needed.

What Complements Tater Tot Casserole Best

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the ground beef and creamy cheese in the casserole.
• Crisp Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with vinaigrette to balance the heavy, comforting casserole and add fresh, tangy notes that cut through the richness.
• Cool Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a quick cucumber and dill slaw that provides a refreshing crunch and helps lighten the dense, cheesy dish with its bright, zesty profile.
• Craft Beer Match: Choose an amber ale or brown ale with mild maltiness that stands up to the hearty casserole while offering a smooth, complementary drinking experience.

Try These Fun Takes on Tater Tot Casserole

• Protein Alternatives: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure tater tots are certified gluten-free. Replace regular cheese with dairy-free or gluten-free cheese alternatives.
• Low-Carb Makeover: Substitute tater tots with cauliflower florets or sliced zucchini. Use low-carb cream cheese instead of cream of mushroom soup and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace sour cream with coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt. Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for topping. Choose dairy-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade dairy-free white sauce.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute. It’s leaner and provides a similar texture. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly and season well.

• Is it okay to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and part-skim cheddar cheese. You can also add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots to increase nutritional value.

• What sides work best with this casserole?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement this hearty dish perfectly. A side of roasted broccoli or a fresh garden salad will balance the richness of the casserole.

Filling Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Tater Tot Casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables across America. Crispy potato tots, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a delicious one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup frozen peas or green beans (optional)

Dairy and Sauce:

• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package (32 oz or 907 g) frozen tater tots

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper, then incorporate frozen peas or green beans, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce greasiness.
6. Create a creamy sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup with sour cream until smooth and well combined.
7. Spread the cooked beef evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8. Pour the soup and sour cream mixture over the beef, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese across the sauce layer.
10. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, uniform layer over the cheese.
11. Bake for 35-40 minutes until tater tots turn golden and crispy.
12. Remove from oven, top with remaining cheddar cheese, and return to bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely.
13. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and make portioning easier.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Boost nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra vegetables and color.
• Reduce sodium and fat by using low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese without compromising the delicious flavor.
• Make it gluten-free by selecting gluten-free tater tots and checking that the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg