Name: Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking spray or butter for greasing

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Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a cozy, crowd-pleasing classic that’s simple, hearty, and full of nostalgic flavor. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crispy golden tater tots on top, this casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s a no-fuss, family-style dish that I love making any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s as easy as it is satisfying. Everything bakes in one dish, and I don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps. The ground beef is perfectly seasoned, the creamy soup base adds richness, and the tater tots get irresistibly crispy in the oven. It’s a dinner that makes everyone happy, and the leftovers (if there are any) reheat beautifully.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
Milk
Frozen tater tots
Shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper
Cooking spray or butter for greasing

directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef with chopped onion until browned, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
I drain any excess fat, season the beef with salt and pepper, and spread it evenly in the baking dish.
In a bowl, I mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth, then pour it over the beef layer.
I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer to cover the entire surface.
I bake the casserole uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling.
I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set up.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in under 1 hour.

Variations

I like to switch things up by adding veggies like green beans, corn, or peas to the beef layer for more texture and flavor. Sometimes I use a can of cream of cheddar or cream of celery instead of mushroom. For a spicy version, I add taco seasoning to the beef or swap in pepper jack cheese. And when I want to go all out, I top the finished casserole with crumbled bacon or green onions.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions. If I want to keep the tots crispy, I reheat them in a skillet or toaster oven.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. When I’m ready to bake, I just pop it in the oven as usual—sometimes adding 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Do I have to thaw the tater tots?

No, I always use them straight from the freezer. They crisp up perfectly in the oven.

What kind of cheese works best?

I love using sharp cheddar for its flavor, but I’ve also used mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend, depending on what I have on hand.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. I’ve made this with ground turkey or chicken, and it still turns out delicious. I just make sure to season it well.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, I let it cool completely, then freeze it in individual portions or as a whole. To reheat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the kind of meal I reach for when I want something filling, flavorful, and comforting. It’s quick to put together, adaptable to whatever I have in the pantry, and always a hit at the table. Whether I’m cooking for the family or looking for a make-ahead meal, this casserole always comes through.