Here’s a cozy, family-friendly casserole that comes together quickly and comforts like a warm hug.
introduction
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a classic weeknight crowd-pleaser: browned beef in a creamy mushroom sauce, a blanket of cheddar, and a crispy tater tot topping. If you want a bolder take, try a related chili cheese variation that swaps the soup and sour cream for a spicy chili layer.
why make this recipe
- Fast and satisfying: most hands-on time is browning the beef and assembling the layers.
- Kid-approved: cheesy, crispy tots make it an easy winner at the table.
- Economical: simple pantry ingredients and frozen tots keep cost and effort low.
- Versatile: easy to swap seasonings, add vegetables, or make ahead and reheat.
how to make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
This recipe is a straightforward layer-and-bake dish. Brown the beef and onions, stir in the creamy mushroom sauce and sour cream, layer with cheese, top with frozen tater tots, and bake until the tots are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Finish with an extra layer of cheddar for a melty top.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices
Directions :
1️⃣ Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and cook until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
3️⃣ Combine with cream sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4️⃣ Layer in the casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
5️⃣ Add cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
6️⃣ Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
7️⃣ Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8️⃣ Add final cheese layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9️⃣ Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
how to serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Serve hot with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
- Spoon onto plates and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for color.
- Offer ketchup, hot sauce, or sour cream on the side for extra flavor.
how to store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and store for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through to restore crispness to the tots.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
tips to make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Drain the beef well to prevent a soggy casserole.
- For extra texture, stir a cup of frozen peas or corn into the beef mixture before layering.
- If you like a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes after the final cheese melts—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Use a cast-iron skillet-safe casserole dish to go from stovetop to oven for fewer dishes.
variation (if any)
- Swap cream of mushroom with cream of chicken or celery for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Tex-Mex: replace soup with a can of enchilada sauce, add taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian option: replace ground beef with a plant-based crumble or a mix of mushrooms and lentils.
FAQ
Q: Can I assemble this ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking straight from cold.
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
A: You can, but par-cook (boil or roast) bite-sized potatoes first; baking time and method will change.
Q: Is there a low-fat version?
A: Use lean ground turkey or beef, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese to cut calories.
Q: How do I prevent the center from being soggy?
A: Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef and avoid overloading the center with liquid; spreading ingredients evenly helps even baking.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is an adaptable, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights and family dinners. For another highly-rated take on this classic casserole, check out Mom On Timeout’s The BEST Tater Tot Casserole.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and cook until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1 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, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
