Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful, comforting dish that’s all about crispy tater tots baked on top of a creamy, cheesy, and savory filling. It usually includes ground beef, mixed veggies, and a rich, creamy sauce, all coming together to create that perfect mix of textures – crunchy on top and soft and hearty underneath.
I love making this casserole on a chilly night when everyone is ready for something warm and satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate. Plus, the way the tater tots crisp up in the oven gives it that fun, extra crunch that everyone loves. I often add a little extra cheese on top because, well, who can resist melted cheese?
My favorite way to serve it is straight out of the oven, paired with a simple green salad to balance out the richness. It’s a great dish for family dinners or casual get-togethers because it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whenever I bring tater tot casserole to a potluck, I know it will disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the hearty base of your casserole. I like using lean ground beef to keep it from getting too greasy. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Cream of mushroom soup: It adds creaminess and depth. If you don’t have mushroom soup, cream of chicken or celery works well. For dairy-free, try a cashew cream or a dairy-free cream soup alternative.
Sour cream: It makes the filling rich and smooth. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a tangy twist and fewer calories.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor and melts nicely. You can use mozzarella for stretchiness or a mild cheese if you prefer less sharpness.
Tater tots: The crispy topping star! Regular frozen tater tots work great, but you can use sweet potato tots for a slight sweetness and extra nutrients.
Vegetables: Frozen mixed veggies add color and nutrition. Feel free to swap with fresh peas, corn, or green beans depending on what you have.
How Do You Get Crispy, Golden Tater Tots on Top?
Getting the perfect crispy topping is key here. Don’t cover the casserole while baking; roasting the tater tots uncovered lets the steam escape and the tots crisp up.
- Use a preheated oven at 375°F—hot enough to cook the filling and crisp the topping.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top; no overlapping to ensure even crisping.
- If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Let the casserole rest a bit after baking. This helps the topping firm up and the filling set for easier serving.
These simple steps make sure the tater tots are crunchy and golden, balancing the creamy mixture below perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and cooking onions evenly.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – gives you plenty of space to layer the casserole ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the beef mixture without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps you get the soup, sour cream, and spices just right.
- Oven mitts – must-have for safely handling the hot casserole dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add cooked bacon or diced ham for a smoky, meaty twist.
- Mix in diced bell peppers or corn for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a bit of spicy heat.
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional)
- 1 tomato, finely diced (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 to 35 minutes to bake. Plus, let it rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving. Overall, you’ll spend less than an hour from start to finish to enjoy this warm, tasty casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Onions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet set to medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onions. Stir and break up the meat as it browns, cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
2. Mix the Filling:
To the cooked beef mixture, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. If you like, add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine. If using, fold in the frozen mixed vegetables.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the beef mixture in a single layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Remove from oven and let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. Before serving, top with diced fresh tomatoes and chopped cilantro or parsley for a bright finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Casserole?
It’s best to use fresh ground beef or fully thaw frozen beef before cooking to ensure even browning and proper texture. If using frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag in cold water.
Can I Make Tater Tot Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to help keep the tater tots crispy.
Can I Substitute Sour Cream in This Recipe?
Definitely! Greek yogurt works well as a healthier alternative and maintains the tangy creaminess in the filling. Just use the same amount as the sour cream called for.
