Tater Tots Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, offering hearty, satisfying flavors in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a comforting meal, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tater Tots Casserole is the definition of comfort food. The crispy tater tots on top provide a satisfying crunch, while the ground beef mixture underneath is rich and creamy. With the addition of sour cream and cheddar cheese, the casserole is both creamy and cheesy, creating a perfect balance of textures. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it an ideal dish for weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Add veggies: For extra nutrition, you can add vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach to the beef mixture before baking.
Spicy twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes on top before baking for a spicy version.
Swap meats: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegan version: Use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese to make this casserole suitable for a vegan diet.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?

Frozen tater tots are recommended for this recipe as they crisp up nicely during baking. If you use fresh tater tots, they may not get as crispy.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites for different flavors.

4. How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, or sprinkle chili powder or hot sauce on top before baking to give the dish a spicy kick.

5. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensuring the tater tots are gluten-free (some brands offer gluten-free versions).

6. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature—it should be around 165°F (74°C).

7. Can I add more toppings to the casserole?

Yes, feel free to top the casserole with more cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for added flavor and texture.

8. Can I use a smaller or larger baking dish?

Yes, you can adjust the baking dish size based on the quantity. If you use a smaller dish, the casserole will be thicker and may need a few extra minutes to bake. A larger dish will make the casserole thinner and cook faster.

9. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover casserole. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.

10. Can I make this casserole without sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or a dairy-free sour cream alternative for a similar creamy texture.

Conclusion

Tater Tots Casserole is the perfect family-friendly dish that combines savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots all in one easy-to-make meal. It’s comforting, hearty, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or hosting a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Simple to make, delicious, and satisfying, it’s the ultimate comfort food you’ll keep coming back to!

Tater Tots Casserole

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Print Recipe

Tater Tots Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy tater tots with savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, offering hearty and satisfying flavors in every bite. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to be a hit for any occasion.

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Notes

Variations: Add veggies like peas, corn, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrition. For a spicy version, sprinkle chili flakes or hot sauce on top.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free