Tater Tot Casserole

This easy tater tot casserole is a Midwestern classic comfort food that combines seasoned ground beef and creamy sauce all topped with crunchy tater tots and plenty of cheese. What could be better on a chilly night?

This easy tater tot casserole recipe is so simple that you can toss it together in a matter of minutes before baking, and have dinner on the table quickly. The whole family will love it — and pair it with some greens on the side and it’s a complete meal!

When you’re looking for a hearty meal to dig into after a long day, try this delicious casserole.

Common Questions about Tater Tot Casserole

What is tater tot casserole made of? 

Tater tot casserole has a creamy, beefy base of seasoned ground beef and creamed soup. It’s topped off with tater tots and cheese.

What state is known for tater tot casserole? 

It’s a Midwestern favorite, but Minnesota is best known for the Tater Tot Hotdish, similar to this recipe. 

What goes well with tater tot casserole?

Since the casserole itself is fairly heavy, any light dish will work well as a side. Veggies, salads, and fruit salads work well.

Storage

Store leftovers in the fridge for several days to reheat this meal throughout the week.

Refrigerator: Keep this casserole in the refrigerator covered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or sealed in an airtight container, for 3-4 days.

Freezing: The textures of some of the components of the dish may not fare well through freezing and thawing, but if you choose to freeze this dish, use a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips 

This casserole is easy to execute but there are a few ways you can get the best results.

• Use lean ground beef to avoid draining excess fat. 
• Powdered garlic and onion help to make the recipe easier but you can use very finely minced versions as well. 
• Do not prepare the soup according to package directions — use as is.

Ingredients for the Best Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Easy and simple ingredients make this dish a cinch to put together.

• Lean ground beef
• Onion (finely diced)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Can of cream of mushroom soup 
• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Milk (2% or whole)
• Corn (thawed; or mixed vegetables)
• Frozen tater tots

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need 

You only need a couple of tools to make this easy recipe.

• Baking dish
• Skillet

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole comes together so quickly.

1. Brown the ground beef in a preheated medium skillet. 
2. Add onions and cook until soft.
3. Pour in the seasonings, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook briefly. 
4. Add the soup, a portion of the cheese, and milk to a large bowl and whisk together until combined. 
5. Stir the ground beef mixture into the soup mixture until combined.
6. Scoop the soup and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. 
7. Top the layer of ground beef with tater tots (in a single layer). 
8. Pour the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake until the casserole bubbles and the tater tots are a light golden brown color.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest briefly before serving.

What to Serve With Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but there are other delectable dishes to serve with it, too. 

• Salad – Serve the casserole as a main with a simple salad on the side. 
• Soup – A warm soup is a comforting addition to this cozy casserole. 
• Vegetables – Add some roasted vegetables on the side to round out this meal.

Why You Should Make This Easy Casserole Recipe

Any tater tot lover will be excited to scarf up this cheesy, beefy, and hearty casserole. 

• Easy – Just brown the beef, season, add to the soup, and then add everything to a casserole dish to bake — it couldn’t be easier!
• Delicious – With a beefy base and a crunchy tater tot topping this casserole is full of texture and flavor. 
• Convenient – You can make this any night and have it ready to reheat on busy weeknights.

Variations and Add-ins

This is a standard recipe that leaves lots of leeway to make your own swaps and switches to make it your own. 

• Heat – Add some fire to your dish with the addition of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or chili powder. 
• Cheese – Use any kind of cheese you prefer from Monterey Jack to mozzarella or even a smoky gouda. If you’re a big fan of cheese, add extra.
• Smokiness – Add smoky flavor with a little bit of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
• Extra flavor – Try adding Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, gochujang, or even hot sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Meat – Use different ground meats instead of beef. Ground turkey, ground pork, or even sausage will work well.
• Garnish – Add some green onions on top, or your choice of garnish.
• Soup – Substitute another cream soup, like cream of chicken soup, for the mushroom variety.

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If you love this easy Tater Tot Casserole recipe, you’re going to love these other dinner ideas too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

Other Easy Casseroles

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Slow Cooker Corn Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole

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