Super Tasty Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this hearty tater tot casserole with ground beef that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Layers of savory ground beef mingle with crispy golden tater tots, creating a mouthwatering dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

Packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients, this casserole delivers a nostalgic punch of deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together in a snap.

Every bite brings together tender beef, melted cheese, and perfectly crisp potato tots in a harmonious blend of textures.

The aroma alone will have everyone racing to the dinner table, eager to dig into this classic comfort meal.

Warm, filling, and utterly irresistible, this casserole is about to become your new family favorite.

What You’ll Need for Tater Tot Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the casserole.

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato nuggets that create a golden, crunchy topping for the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Ingredients that create a rich, creamy sauce for binding the casserole together.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds extra flavor and gooey texture to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that provide depth and savory notes to the ground beef.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.

• Peas, Green Beans: Optional vegetables that can add color and extra nutrition to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, helping to develop rich flavors.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.

How to Make This Tater Tot Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Sizzle The Beef

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

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until onions turn soft and translucent.

Drop in ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Brown the meat completely, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Optional add-ins like peas or green beans can join the party now.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Layer The Casserole Base

Spread the cooked beef evenly across the baking dish.

Pour the creamy sauce over the meat, creating a delicious blanket.

Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Deck Out With Tater Tots

Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer, covering the entire surface.

Don’t stress about perfection – just aim for maximum crispiness.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven for 35-40 minutes.

The tots should turn golden brown and crispy.

Pull it out, shower the top with remaining cheese, and return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until cheese melts beautifully.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole chill for 5 minutes.

This helps the layers settle, making serving a breeze.

Dig in and enjoy your comfort food masterpiece!

Helpful Tips for Tater Tot Beef Casserole Success

• Chop onions and measure ingredients before starting to streamline cooking and reduce stress in the kitchen.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize excess grease while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced carrots, frozen mixed vegetables, or chopped spinach to the beef layer for added vitamins.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack, pepper jack, or a sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Saving and Reheating Leftovers from This Tater Tot Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the dish stays fresh and tasty.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, preserving its delicious flavor and texture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning and maintain moisture. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the tater tots.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness and restore creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Your Tater Tot Casserole

• Perfectly Pair Crispy Comfort
• Refresh with Tangy Coleslaw: Cut through the casserole's richness with a zesty, crisp coleslaw featuring vinegar-based dressing and crunchy cabbage for a bright contrast.
• Select Bold Red Wine: Complement the hearty beef and cheesy layers with a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Malbec, which matches the dish's robust flavors and cuts through its creamy texture.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Serve a light, herbed cucumber salad dressed in dill and light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, dense casserole.
• Boost with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a hoppy American pale ale or amber beer that can stand up to the rich meat and potato combination while cleansing the palate between bites.

Customizing the Tater Tot Casserole Your Way

• Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of mushroom soup for a meat-free version that still delivers hearty flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets. Use a low-carb cream cheese base instead of traditional soup mixture to create a keto-friendly alternative.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Select gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch to thicken sauce if needed, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or cashew cream to maintain the creamy texture while accommodating dairy-free diets.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season well to maintain flavor.

• Do I need to thaw the tater tots before using?

No, you can use frozen tater tots directly from the bag. They’ll crisp up nicely during baking without needing to be thawed first.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love tater tots and ground beef, making this a perfect family-friendly meal that’s easy to eat and enjoy.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Reasons to Enjoy This Tater Tot Beef Bake

• This casserole requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a hassle-free meal.
• Packed with hearty ground beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies even picky eaters.
• Easily customize with extra vegetables like peas or green beans, swap ground beef for turkey, or adjust seasonings to match family preferences, ensuring versatility for different tastes.
• Streamlines cooking and cleanup with a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Robust Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Midwest comfort shines in this hearty Tater Tot Casserole with ground beef, delivering classic home-style flavors that comfort and satisfy. Layers of seasoned meat, creamy sauce, and crispy potato tots create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 grams) ground beef
• 1 package (32 ounces/907 grams) frozen tater tots
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Optional: 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas or green beans

Seasonings and Additions:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until completely browned. If using green beans or peas, incorporate them during the final cooking minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Create a creamy base by whisking cream of mushroom soup and sour cream in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
4. Layer the cooked beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the soup and sour cream mixture over the beef, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese across the surface.
5. Uniformly distribute frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire casserole surface.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until tater tots turn golden and crisp. Remove from oven, scatter remaining cheese on top, and return to oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely.
7. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps stabilize the layers and makes portioning easier.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more depth of flavor.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole in advance and refrigerating until ready to bake, perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal prepping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg