Tater Tot Casserole

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Tater Tot Casserole

Golden, crispy tater tots resting on a bed of creamy, cheesy, savory ground beef and vegetables—Tater Tot Casserole is the kind of comforting, belly-warming dish that brings the whole family to the table. It’s rich, hearty, and satisfying with every single bite, delivering that perfect mix of textures from the crunch of tots to the melty stretch of cheese.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew on a weeknight or bringing a feel-good classic to a potluck, this casserole never disappoints. It’s simple to prepare, makes great leftovers, and can even be prepped in advance. One look at the gooey cheese pull and that bubbling top layer, and you’ll know exactly why this dish has become a staple in so many households.

---

Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
• Fresh chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

---

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for another 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

---

Step 2: Mix It All Together

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, peas, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it’s creamy and well combined. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

---

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the beef and veggie mixture into the bottom and spread it evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer, covering the filling entirely.

---

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tots are crispy and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

---

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped chives if you’d like an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, crispy, creamy bite.

---

Storage Instructions

Tater Tot Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

• Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze both cooked and uncooked versions. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm larger servings in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes).

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg

(Note: These are rough estimates. Actual values may vary based on brands and portion sizes.)

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and works just as well in this casserole.

2. Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

Nope! They go on frozen and crisp up perfectly during baking.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Is there a vegetarian version of this?

Yes—swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or a mix of mushrooms and lentils.

5. Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Try green beans, corn, or even chopped broccoli.

6. How do I make it gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and make sure your tater tots are certified gluten-free.

7. What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for extra kick.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish or divide into two pans. Perfect for feeding a crowd!

---

Print