Tater Tot Ground Beef Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is true to its Midwest roots hearty easy comforting and really brings everyone to the dinner table. This cozy dish layers crisp tater tots creamy sauce savory beef and gooey cheese for the ultimate crowd pleaser and a guaranteed favorite for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

The first time I made this casserole my kids scraped the pan clean and my husband asked for it to be added to our dinner rotation. It is now my go-to when I want smiles around the table.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: gives this casserole its rich savory base look for fresh bright red beef with little to no odor
• Cream of mushroom soup: brings in classic creamy flavor use a quality brand or even a homemade version for more depth
• Sour cream: adds tang and helps create a velvety sauce choose thick full-fat for best results
• Small onion diced: for extra flavor pick a firm heavy onion with dry skin
• Shredded cheddar cheese: for gooey melt and sharp taste use freshly shredded if you can for smoother melting
• Frozen tater tots: provide the crisp and craveable topping choose a well-rated brand for crispness
• Salt and pepper to taste: for balance and bringing out flavors use kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• Optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika: these add a punch of flavor use your favorite trusted spices

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Bring your oven to 375 F or 190 C so it is ready and evenly heated before you start assembling

Brown the Beef and Onions:

Crumble ground beef into a skillet and cook over medium heat until mostly browned Add diced onions into the skillet cooking everything together until the onions soften and become fragrant Season the beef mixture with salt pepper and any chosen spices making sure all the meat is flavorful If there is extra fat after cooking carefully drain it off so the casserole is not greasy

Mix in Creamy Goodness:

Spoon in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream stirring gently until fully blended with the beef Let everything heat through for roughly 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld

Layer in Casserole Dish:

Lightly grease your casserole dish then evenly spread the beef and creamy mixture to cover the bottom

Add Cheese Layer:

Scatter one cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture so it will melt into every bite

Top with Tater Tots:

Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese pressing them gently for full coverage

Bake Until Crispy:

Put the casserole in the oven and cook for 25 to 30 minutes watch for the tater tots to turn golden and crispy on top

Finish with Melty Cheese:

Remove the dish and sprinkle on the second cup of cheddar Return to the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts fully and bubbles around the edges

Let It Rest and Serve:

Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for five minutes so it holds together when served

That layer of golden tater tots is always my favorite part. When my youngest lobbied for even more on top one night we made it our tradition to go heavy on the tots so every bite has crispy edges. This casserole always pulls stories and laughs from my family whenever it is served.

Storage Tips

Let the casserole cool fully then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350 F until warmed through for best texture. You can also freeze baked or unbaked casseroles wrapped well for up to three months. Bake from frozen by adding extra time and covering with foil for the first half to prevent overbrowning.

Substitution Ideas

Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter base without losing comfort. Instead of cheddar try Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder flavor. If you want to go vegetarian use cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of beef and use a mushroom or vegetable soup base.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough solo but goes wonderfully with a bright green salad roasted broccoli or steamed green beans. Add a little hot sauce or ketchup at the table for those who like a tangy kick. For some freshness sprinkle on green onions cilantro or chopped parsley just before serving.

This casserole is always a hit and reheats beautifully. Make it once and it might just become a new family tradition.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different soup base?

Yes, cream of chicken or celery soup can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.

→ Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

No, frozen tater tots work best and will crisp up nicely in the oven without thawing.

→ What other cheeses can I use?

Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend also work well alongside or instead of cheddar.

→ Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead?

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, then bake it fresh when ready to serve.