A bubbling tater tot casserole with golden tots on top and a cheesy beef filling underneath, scooped with a spatula.
This tater tot casserole is pure comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy golden tots that everyone fights over. If you need an easy weeknight dinner that feeds a crowd, this tater tot casserole recipe is it.
Introduction
The standout trick here is seasoning the beef well and letting the filling simmer for a few minutes before baking. That thickens it up so your casserole isn’t watery.
Then you layer tots on top in neat rows so they crisp evenly. Trust me—when the tots turn deep golden, this casserole is better than any drive-thru dinner.
This one is a reader-favorite for potlucks, busy nights, and cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole
- Ultimate comfort food: Creamy filling + crispy tots.
- Family-friendly: Kid-approved flavors and textures.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Simple ingredients, big payoff.
- Great for leftovers: Reheats like a dream in the oven.
- Potluck perfect: Always disappears fast.
Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole
- Ground beef (1 1/2 pounds): Hearty base; swap with ground turkey if you like.
- Onion, diced (1 medium): Adds sweet savory flavor.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Boosts the taste.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (2 cups): Easy shortcut; peas and carrots work great.
- Cream of mushroom soup (2 cans, 10.5 ounces each): Creamy binder; cream of chicken soup also works.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Makes it extra creamy; Greek yogurt works too.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Cheesy goodness; Monterey Jack is a great swap.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) + black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Season to taste.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Warm color and flavor.
- Frozen tater tots (1 bag, 32 ounces): The crispy topping everyone loves.
Note: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Step-by-Step
- 1. Preheat: Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 2. Brown: Cook beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat 8–10 minutes until browned. Drain extra grease. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- 3. Stir: Add soup, sour cream, veggies, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thick and creamy. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese.
- 4. Assemble: Spread filling in the baking dish. Arrange tater tots in an even layer on top.
- 5. Bake: Bake 30–35 minutes until tots are crisp and golden.
- 6. Melt: Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top and bake 5 minutes more until melted.
- 7. Rest: Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets.
Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Casserole
- Simmer the filling first so it isn’t watery.
- Arrange tots evenly so they crisp all over.
- Bake until deep golden for the best crunch.
- Let it rest so slices hold together.
- Re-crisp leftovers in the oven, not the microwave.
Variations & Substitutions
- Turkey version: Use ground turkey and add 1 teaspoon extra seasoning.
- Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or diced green chiles.
- Extra veggies: Stir in chopped mushrooms or green beans.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free condensed soup.
- Leftovers: Turn into a loaded bowl with extra cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Storing & Reheating
Fridge: Store 3–4 days.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot and crisp.
Freezer: Freeze baked casserole up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Simple green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted carrots
- Pickles or sliced tomatoes
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Casserole
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: —
Reader Review: The tots stayed crispy and the filling was so creamy. My whole family asked for seconds.
If you make this tater tot casserole, leave a rating and comment. Do you like extra cheese on top?