Tater tot casserole with ground beef is the kind of dish that delivers big comfort with minimal effort. It’s warm, hearty, and loaded with cheesy, savory flavor—everything you want from an easy dinner recipe. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this casserole checks all the boxes.
With just a handful of pantry staples like frozen tater tots, ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese, you can have this dish prepped and baking in minutes. As it cooks, the tater tots turn golden and crispy on top while the beef mixture underneath becomes creamy and rich.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
This tater tot casserole with ground beef uses easy-to-find ingredients that come together quickly to make a flavorful, satisfying dish. Below is everything you’ll need to make it from scratch.
Main Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Use lean ground beef for less grease, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
1 small yellow onion, diced
Adds flavor and depth to the beef mixture.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
Creates the creamy base. Cream of chicken can be used as a substitute.
1/2 cup sour cream
Adds richness and a tangy balance to the creamy sauce.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Enhances the savory flavor.
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Season the beef mixture to your liking.
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
Corn, peas, green beans, or a mix add extra texture and nutrition.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar works well, but any melty cheese like Colby Jack or mozzarella can be used.
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
These go right on top—no need to thaw.
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Adds a subtle smokiness to the dish.
Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Brings a pop of color and freshness after baking.
Instructions
This easy tater tot casserole with ground beef comes together in just a few steps. Here’s how to make it from start to finish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound ground beef and 1 diced onion.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—about 6–8 minutes.
- Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Turn off the heat and stir in the following:
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 cups frozen vegetables (add them straight from the freezer)
Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single, even layer, covering the surface completely.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
Pro Tips and Variations
This classic tater tot casserole is delicious as-is, but a few simple tweaks can make it even better or help you tailor it to your taste and pantry.
Pro Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole
Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
This keeps the casserole from becoming too heavy or oily after baking.
Don’t thaw the tater tots.
Place them on top straight from the freezer to keep them crispy as they bake.
Layer evenly.
Spread the beef mixture in a flat layer and arrange the tater tots in a single, uniform layer to ensure even browning.
Bake uncovered.
Covering the casserole traps steam and can make the tater tots soggy. Bake uncovered for a crispy top.
Add cheese near the end.
Sprinkling cheese over the tater tots in the last 10 minutes of baking gives you a perfectly melted, golden layer without burning.
Let it rest before serving.
Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes out of the oven so it sets and slices cleanly.
Tasty Variations to Try
Add vegetables.
Stir in frozen peas, corn, green beans, or diced carrots for added nutrition and color.
Try different soups.
Use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a cheddar soup instead of cream of mushroom for a flavor twist.
Make it spicy.
Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat.
Swap the meat.
Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Go taco-style.
Use taco seasoning in the beef and add black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese for a Mexican tater tot casserole vibe.
Add bacon.
Mix in crumbled cooked bacon or sprinkle it on top before serving for a smoky finish.
Make it a breakfast casserole.
Replace the beef with breakfast sausage, and use eggs and cheddar for a morning version of this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Tater tot casserole with ground beef is a hearty, all-in-one dish, but pairing it with the right sides and toppings can make your meal feel even more complete. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or prepping leftovers, here are a few ways to round it out.
1. Serve with a Fresh Side Salad
A crisp green salad adds balance to the richness of the casserole. Try a simple mix of romaine, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. It cuts through the creamy filling and adds freshness to the plate.
2. Pair with Roasted Vegetables
Roasted broccoli, green beans, or carrots make excellent sides. Their texture and natural sweetness complement the savory flavors in the casserole.
3. Add Bread for Dipping
Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are great for scooping up every last bit of creamy beef and melted cheese. They also help make the meal feel a little more special.
4. Top It Off with Fresh Herbs
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley gives a burst of color and a pop of brightness. It also adds a little contrast to the rich and cheesy filling.
5. Make It a Meal for a Crowd
Serve this casserole alongside a soup or fruit salad to turn it into a buffet-style meal perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
6. Serve Leftovers with a Fried Egg
For a creative next-day twist, reheat a slice of the casserole and top it with a fried or poached egg. It turns your leftovers into a savory brunch dish.
Conclusion
Tater tot casserole with ground beef is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. From the crispy golden tater tots on top to the creamy, cheesy beef layer underneath, every bite delivers comfort and warmth.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you need an easy dish that’s sure to please. It uses everyday ingredients, comes together quickly, and offers plenty of room for personalization—whether you want to sneak in some veggies, swap out the meat, or change up the cheese.
If you’re searching for a dependable, comforting dinner that’s just as good the next day, this tater tot casserole belongs on your menu. Once you make it, it’s likely to become a go-to favorite in your household.
Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- Use lean ground beef for less grease or substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- Adds flavor and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- Creates the creamy base. Cream of chicken can be used as a substitute.
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Adds richness and a tangy balance to the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Enhances the savory flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Season the beef mixture to your liking.
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables optional
- Corn peas, green beans, or a mix add extra texture and nutrition.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sharp cheddar works well but any melty cheese like Colby Jack or mozzarella can be used.
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
- These go right on top—no need to thaw.
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Adds a subtle smokiness to the dish.
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
- Brings a pop of color and freshness after baking.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound ground beef and 1 diced onion.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—about 6–8 minutes.
- Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
- Turn off the heat and stir in the following:
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 cups frozen vegetables (add them straight from the freezer)
- Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single, even layer, covering the surface completely.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQs
Why is my tater tot casserole soggy?
A soggy casserole usually happens when there’s too much moisture or the casserole is covered while baking. Make sure to bake it uncovered so the tater tots crisp up properly. Also, avoid overloading the filling with liquid-heavy ingredients.
How do you thicken a tater tot casserole?
If the beef mixture seems too thin, reduce the amount of sour cream or soup slightly. You can also stir in a tablespoon of flour while cooking the ground beef to help thicken the base before layering the casserole.
How do you get tater tots crispy?
Always place the tater tots on top in a single, even layer and bake the casserole uncovered. For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
How can I improve my casserole flavor?
Use a sharp cheddar cheese, season the beef mixture well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and don’t skip the onion. Adding herbs like parsley or paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce, can boost flavor without complicating the recipe.
