When it comes to classic American comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. This hearty casserole layers crispy golden tater tots, creamy mushroom sauce, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese for a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s versatile — you can add your favorite seasonings or veggies to make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Quick and easy: Just a few simple steps and minimal prep.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist those crispy tots!
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: Great for meal prep.
- Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the cheese, or use different sauces.
- Comfort food classic: Warm, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Components
- 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 Add-ins
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup frozen peas or corn
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. After about 5 minutes, add the diced onion and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened.
Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 3: Combine with the Cream Sauce
Stir the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the beef mixture. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until everything is heated through and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Add Final Cheese Layer
Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes it easier to slice. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip draining the fat — this keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- Add vegetables to make it a one-dish meal — frozen corn, peas, or green beans work great.
- Make it spicy by adding a sprinkle of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A side of garlic bread
It’s a complete, filling meal all on its own, but these sides make it even better.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole (without the final cheese layer) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (up to the tater tot layer) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Try cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, or use a homemade white sauce.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely — they’re delicious alternatives if you prefer a lighter version.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Components
- 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 Add-ins
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup frozen peas or corn
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. After about 5 minutes, add the diced onion and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 3: Combine with the Cream Sauce
- Stir the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the beef mixture. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until everything is heated through and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Add Final Cheese Layer
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes it easier to slice. Enjoy!
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