Here’s an ultimate recipe for Tater Tot Casserole, a classic comfort food loved for its creamy, savory filling, crispy tater tot topping, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving a warm, cozy meal. This casserole combines ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a creamy soup base, all topped with golden tater tots for a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious!
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans work well)
½ cup milk (for creaminess)
For the Topping:
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that gooey, cheesy layer)
Fresh parsley or chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s ready once you’ve assembled the casserole.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil. This step helps prevent the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding layers of flavor to the beef as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and softened. This will create a savory base for the casserole.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Add Creamy Ingredients
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. These add a rich, creamy consistency to the casserole.
Add the milk and mix well to loosen up the sauce slightly, ensuring it coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and well combined. This will make the filling extra cheesy and satisfying.
Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables. No need to thaw the vegetables; they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. This creates a smooth, creamy base for the tater tots.
Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots, arranging them in neat rows or a single layer across the entire surface. Try to cover as much of the filling as possible for even crisping.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the tater tots. This adds a gooey layer of melted cheese that complements the crispy tots perfectly.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This initial bake will allow the filling to heat up and the flavors to meld.
Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. For extra-crispy tots, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. This adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
Serve and enjoy! Scoop the casserole into bowls or plates and dig in! It’s perfect on its own, or you can pair it with a light side salad to balance the richness.
Tips for the Perfect Tater Tot Casserole
Choosing Your Meat: Ground beef provides a rich, hearty flavor, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For added flavor, try using ground sausage or a mix of ground beef and pork.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value and add different textures. Sauté these with the onions for a more balanced casserole.
Adjusting the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker filling, reduce the milk slightly. If you like it extra creamy, add a little more milk or even a splash of heavy cream.
Topping Variations: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. You could even add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for extra depth.
Tater Tot Placement: For the crispiest tater tots, arrange them in a single layer without overlapping. This allows each tot to get golden and crisp during baking.
Serving Suggestions
While Tater Tot Casserole is delicious on its own, here are some side dishes that can enhance the meal:
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots for an easy, nutritious side.
Crusty Bread or Rolls: Bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy filling and adding an extra layer of comfort to the meal.
Sautéed Spinach or Kale: The slight bitterness of greens like spinach or kale complements the savory casserole flavors.
Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 16 ounce package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until completely browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in condensed soup; season with salt and black pepper.
- Transfer beef mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish; layer tater tots evenly on top and sprinkle with Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until tater tots are golden brown and hot, 30 to 45 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Tater tot casserole in a baking dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes and then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.
Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Prepare it up to the baking step, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. Alternatively, bake straight from frozen, adding 20-30 minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! You can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. You could also make a quick homemade version by making a roux with butter, flour, and milk, then adding cooked mushrooms and seasoning to taste.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftover Tater Tot Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Can I make a healthier version?
Yes, you can make this dish lighter by using ground turkey or chicken, reduced-fat sour cream, and low-fat cheese. You can also swap out some of the tater tots for a layer of cauliflower florets or use cauliflower tots for a lower-carb option.
Final Thoughts
Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. Its layers of creamy, savory beef and vegetables, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese, make it irresistibly satisfying. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so feel free to make it your own by experimenting with different meats, vegetables, and cheeses. This casserole is sure to become a family favorite, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. Enjoy every bite!