This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a cozy, family-favorite dish that’s as easy as it is satisfying. With layers of seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, crispy golden tater tots, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is comfort food at its best. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you need a hearty, fuss-free meal that everyone will love.
When I first made this casserole, I knew it would become a staple in my kitchen. The crispy crunch of the tots against the creamy beef filling is irresistible, and the melted cheddar brings it all together. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Just 15 minutes of prep and the oven does the rest.
- Family-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Customizable – Swap in turkey, chicken, or veggies.
- Perfect for Sharing – Great for potlucks, game days, and weeknight comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. -
Cook Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onion over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. -
Mix Sauce
Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, half the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined. -
Assemble
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the baking dish. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top. -
Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the tots are golden and crisp. -
Add Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the tots. Bake for another 5 minutes until melted and bubbly. -
Serve
Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Add veggies: Stir in frozen peas, green beans, or corn for a balanced twist.
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes for heat.
- Cheese lovers: Try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Make It Your Own
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with plant-based ground “meat” or sautéed mushrooms.
- Healthier Version: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a brunch version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad for freshness.
- Serve with steamed veggies for balance.
- Great with a side of pickles or coleslaw for tangy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave single portions.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is the definition of comfort food—crispy, creamy, cheesy, and hearty. Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing a dish to share, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Share Your Comfort Food!
Made this recipe? Tag @yourhandle and use #CheesyTaterTotMagic so I can see your bubbly, golden casseroles!
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
A cheesy tater tot casserole with beef, creamy sauce & golden tots. Perfect family dinner, potluck, or weeknight comfort meal!
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for color
- 2 green onions sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Beef
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onion over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Mix Sauce
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, half the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
Assemble
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the baking dish. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
Bake
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the tots are golden and crisp.
Add Cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the tots. Bake for another 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
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