This Tater Tot Casserole is a classic, family‑friendly comfort food that’s simple, hearty, and delicious! Made with layers of crispy golden tater tots, seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and plenty of melted cheese, it bakes up hot and bubbly every time. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a cozy, crowd‑pleasing meal!
I remember how Nonna’s kitchen smelled on nights when she made casseroles. The warm scent of browned beef mingled with cheese, the promise of golden tots on top—it meant comfort, family, and filling bellies. That’s what this casserole delivers: warmth, crunch, and satisfaction without needing hours or fancy steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Builds on pantry staples so you can often make it without a grocery run
- Combines creamy and crunchy textures—soup + melted cheese + tater tots on top
- Feeds a crowd or leaves satisfying leftovers
- Flexible—add or swap in veggies, change soup base, adjust seasonings
- Satisfying, comforting, and easy to prep
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 2 cups (200 g) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots, or green beans)
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz / 900 g) frozen tater tots
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika, optional for color
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13‑inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Cook Beef & Aromatics
Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
3. Mix the Filling
To the skillet, add cream of mushroom soup, milk, mixed vegetables; stir until everything is combined and creamy.
4. Layer the Casserole
Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top. Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the mixture.
5. Bake
Place dish in the oven for 30‑35 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
6. Finish with Cheese
Pull casserole from oven. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bake an additional ~5 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Serve Hot
Let it settle for a couple of minutes, then serve with side salad or fresh bread if you like.
Make It Your Own
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to lighten it
- Swap mixed vegetables or add extras like bell peppers or mushrooms
- Use cream of chicken or celery instead of mushroom soup for flavor variation
- Spice it up with a dash of paprika, chili powder, or hot sauce
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color
Tips for Success
- Drain fat from the beef well to avoid soda‑like sogginess
- Use evenly sized tater tots so browning is uniform
- Do not cover the dish—let the tots get nice and crisp on top
- When baking, use a baking dish close to the recommended size so layers cook evenly
Serving Suggestions
- Great served with a crisp green salad to balance richness
- A loaf of crusty bread or warm rolls help soak up that sauce
- Steamed or roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots pair nicely
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge up to 3‑4 days
- Reheat in oven at ~350°F until hot throughout; microwave works for single portions but texture won’t be quite as crisp
- You can freeze portions—thaw overnight before reheating
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Casserole is the kind of dinner that hits the perfect comfort note: cheesy, warm, crunchy, hearty. It’s easy enough for any weeknight, satisfying enough for colder nights, and cheerful enough to bring people around the table. Every bite is familiar and fulfilling.
Share Your Comfort Dish!
Made this recipe? Tag @yourhandle and use #TaterTotCasserole so I can see your cozy creation and share in the comfort!
Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 10.5 oz / 300 g cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup 240 ml milk
- 2 cups 200 g frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots, or green beans)
- 2 cups 200 g shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag 32 oz / 900 g frozen tater tots
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika optional for color
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13‑inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
Cook Beef & Aromatics
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
Mix the Filling
- To the skillet, add cream of mushroom soup, milk, mixed vegetables; stir until everything is combined and creamy.
Layer the Casserole
- Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top. Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the mixture.
Bake
- Place dish in the oven for 30‑35 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Finish with Cheese
- Pull casserole from oven. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bake an additional ~5 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey.
Serve Hot
- Let it settle for a couple of minutes, then serve with side salad or fresh bread if you like.
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