Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

There’s something so satisfying about a good tater tot casserole—it’s creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors that make you feel like you’re getting a hug in every bite. This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef has all the best elements of a cozy dinner: savory beef, a rich sauce, crispy tater tots, and melty cheese on top. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this dish is easy to throw together and will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Plus, casseroles are just fun to make! Everything goes in one baking dish, and with just a bit of prep, you’ve got an entire meal ready to bake in the oven. So if you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing dish, this tater tot casserole is a must-try!

this RECIPE

🍲 Memories of hearty casseroles on chilly nights

I have a soft spot for casseroles, especially on chilly nights when I’m craving something warm and filling. Growing up, my mom would make variations of tater tot casseroles when the weather started turning cold. The smell of browned beef and onions wafting through the kitchen, followed by that bubbly cheese layer emerging from the oven—it was the ultimate comfort food. I’d help her arrange the tater tots on top in a (not-so) perfect pattern, feeling like I was putting the final touch on a masterpiece.

Today, whenever I make this casserole, I’m reminded of those cozy family dinners, with everyone gathered around the table, eagerly digging in. It’s amazing how a dish so simple can bring back such warm memories and still feel just as comforting.

The origin story of tater tot casserole

Tater tot casserole is a true American classic, often linked to the Midwest, where casseroles (or “hotdishes,” as they’re called in some areas) are staples in family and community gatherings. The origins are fairly humble—canned soups and frozen ingredients were widely used in the mid-20th century to save time in the kitchen. The introduction of frozen tater tots by Ore-Ida in the 1950s offered a quick, crispy topping that became a natural fit for these layered casseroles. Over time, this dish has evolved with all kinds of regional and personal variations, but the essence remains the same: layers of savory goodness, often using pantry staples.

Let’s talk ingredients: building the layers of flavor

• Ground beef: The base of our casserole, ground beef brings a hearty, savory flavor that balances out the creamy and cheesy layers above. I like to use 80/20 beef for a good balance of flavor and fat, but if you want a leaner option, you could go for 90/10. Ground turkey also works well if you’re trying to lighten things up a bit.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth to the beef mixture, giving it a richer, more robust flavor. Don’t skip the sautéing step—it really enhances the taste and brings out the sweetness of the onions.
• Cream of mushroom soup: The classic choice for casseroles, cream of mushroom soup creates a smooth, creamy sauce that ties everything together. If you’re not a mushroom fan, you could swap in cream of chicken or celery soup.
• Sour cream: Adds a nice tang and extra creaminess to the sauce. You could substitute with Greek yogurt if you prefer, which will add a bit more protein and a slightly thicker texture.
• Cheddar cheese: The sharpness of cheddar pairs beautifully with the richness of the beef and cream sauce. Go for a freshly shredded cheese if you can—it melts better and has a more vibrant flavor than pre-shredded options.
• Tater tots: The star of the show! Tater tots bring that crispy texture on top and a bit of nostalgia, too. For an extra-crispy top layer, make sure to arrange them in a single layer so they don’t steam.
• Optional vegetables (peas or green beans): Adding some frozen peas or green beans not only adds color but also sneaks in a bit of extra nutrition. You can skip this if you’re a casserole purist, but I find the veggies are a nice touch.

Essential kitchen tools you’ll need

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This is the perfect size for layering your casserole. If you don’t have one, any similarly sized oven-safe dish will work, but avoid anything too shallow or the casserole might overflow.
• Large skillet: You’ll need a skillet to brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic. I prefer a cast-iron skillet for its even heat distribution, but any large skillet will do the trick.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, a simple mixing bowl is all you need. You could even mix it in the can if you’re short on dishes!
• Spatula or wooden spoon: To break up the beef and stir everything together in the skillet. A wooden spoon works especially well for scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.

Step-by-step: making the perfect tater tot casserole

1. Preheat the oven and prep the baking dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This will help prevent any sticking and make clean-up easier later on.

2. Cook the ground beef mixture

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked. If you’re adding peas or green beans, toss them in now and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

3. Mix the sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until smooth. This mixture will give the casserole its creamy texture, and the sour cream adds a subtle tanginess that complements the beef.

4. Assemble the casserole

Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour the soup and sour cream mixture over the beef, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the soup mixture. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top—try to cover the entire surface for maximum crispiness.

5. Bake until golden and crispy

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Then, pull it out and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps it set, making it easier to scoop out neat portions. Grab a big spoon and dig in!

Easy variations to try

• Vegetarian twist: Replace the ground beef with crumbled veggie meat or cooked lentils for a plant-based version. Cream of mushroom soup is usually vegetarian-friendly, but double-check your brand to be sure.
• Tex-Mex style: Add a can of diced green chilies, swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle in some taco seasoning for a fun Tex-Mex flavor profile. Top with diced avocado and a dollop of salsa when serving.
• Healthier option: Go for ground turkey or chicken, and use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. You can also try a reduced-fat cheese if you’re looking to cut down on calories.
• Add extra veggies: Feel free to throw in more vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini. The added veggies make it more colorful and add extra nutrients.

Serving and presentation ideas

Serve this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish. If you want to dress it up a bit, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving. For added crunch, you could also top it with crispy fried onions. Pair it with a simple side salad to balance out the richness, or go all-out with a veggie medley like roasted carrots and green beans.

Perfect drink pairings

For a comforting dish like this, I love pairing it with classic, cozy drinks. Try serving it with a cold glass of iced tea or a tall glass of lemonade for a refreshing contrast. If you’re enjoying this in the winter, warm apple cider or even a hot chocolate could add to the cozy vibes. For a little fizz, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime is light and refreshing alongside the rich casserole.

Storing and reheating tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you want the tater tots to stay crispy, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe serves about 6 people generously, but you can easily adjust it. For a smaller batch, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch baking dish. For a crowd, you could double everything and use two baking dishes. Just be mindful that doubling may increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes, so keep an eye on those tater tots!

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (minus the tater tots on top) and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just add the tater tots and pop it in the oven.

2. Can I freeze tater tot casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Allow it to cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.

3. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works well, or you can make your own by combining milk, flour, and mushrooms if you prefer a homemade option.

4. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Definitely! Fresh green beans or peas work just as well; just blanch them briefly before adding them to the casserole.

5. How can I make the tater tots extra crispy?
Try baking the tater tots on their own for about 10 minutes before adding them on top of the casserole. This extra step helps them crisp up even more during baking.

Print