If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that promises both flavor and nostalgia in every bite, look no further than Tater Tots Casserole. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, bubbling cheddar cheese, and a golden crown of crispy tater tots—it’s hearty, satisfying, and a guaranteed family favorite. Whether you’re gathering everyone around the table for a cozy weeknight dinner or sharing a dish at a potluck, this classic recipe checks all the boxes for taste, texture, and sheer crowd-pleasing power.

Tater Tots Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Tater Tots Casserole so lovable is how effortless but essential every ingredient is. Each component plays a special role: from the meaty base to the crispy topping, it’s a match made in casserole heaven. Here’s what you’ll need to create this timeless comfort dish:

Ground beef (1 pound): Provides a hearty, meaty base and rich flavor that anchors the casserole.
Onion, chopped (1 small): Adds a sweet and savory depth, enhancing the beef and balancing the creamy sauce.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers aromatic flavor quickly—no mincing required.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the flavors in the beef and sauce.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives the dish just a hint of warmth and zing.
Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The secret to a luscious, creamy layer that holds everything together.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and creaminess, ensuring a decadent bite each time.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer and makes a spectacular golden top.
Frozen tater tots (1 bag, 32 oz): The crispy, perfectly-cooked crown that makes this casserole unmistakable.
Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): Lends a fresh pop of color and a hint of herby flavor if desired.

How to Make Tater Tots Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of grease to make sure every bit of Tater Tots Casserole lifts out easily when serving—plus, this step prevents any sticky surprises later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together. Sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat as you go, until the beef loses its pink color and the onion turns wonderfully soft and fragrant. Afterward, carefully drain off any extra fat to keep your casserole from getting greasy.

Step 3: Season and Make it Creamy

Now stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let those seasonings mingle just a moment, then add the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix until everything forms a creamy, cohesive mixture—this “gravy” is what keeps every bite of Tater Tots Casserole moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Layer and Add Cheese

Fold in 1 cup of your shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt slightly into the beef mixture. Pour this goodness into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula so there’s an even layer from corner to corner.

Step 5: Top with Tater Tots and Bake

Carefully arrange your frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. They don’t need to thaw—straight from the freezer works best! Slide the dish into the hot oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until those tots are golden and irresistible.

Step 6: Add More Cheese and Finish Baking

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the now-crispy tater tots, then return the casserole to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. This gives you a perfect cheesy melt on top, finishing your Tater Tots Casserole with a doubly delicious flourish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

If you’d like, finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color. Serve your casserole while it’s warm and bubbly for maximum comfort food impact.

How to Serve Tater Tots Casserole

Garnishes

A finishing touch of chopped parsley always looks inviting, but you can easily personalize your Tater Tots Casserole with sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even a little hot sauce for a kick. These additions add brightness and help balance out the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad, sautéed green beans, or even roasted broccoli for fresh contrast. If you’re feeling a bit extra, some buttered corn or a tangy coleslaw makes the meal even more homey and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Try portioning the casserole into individual ramekins for an adorable dinner-party twist, or let everyone customize their own squares with assorted toppings. You can also assemble in advance and bring the whole dish to potlucks—Tater Tots Casserole transports beautifully and reheats like a dream!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Cover the cooled casserole with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. They’ll keep deliciously in the fridge for up to 4 days, making for next-day lunches that taste just as comforting.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Tater Tots Casserole, simply assemble everything up to the baking step. Cover tightly and freeze for up to three months; when ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with baking as usual. Baked leftovers can be frozen, too—just be sure to wrap well to protect texture.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave until piping hot, or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If the top needs a little crisping, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to refresh that golden tot crunch!

FAQs

Can I make Tater Tots Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and cover tightly in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. Bake it fresh when you’re ready—just add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely. Both make great lighter alternatives that still provide plenty of flavor, and work perfectly with the creamy sauce and cheesy topping.

What veggies can I add inside Tater Tots Casserole?

Green beans, peas, or even chopped bell peppers are all classic additions. Simply stir them into the beef mixture before layering on the tater tots for extra color and nutrition.

Is there a way to make it gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free condensed soup and check that your tater tots are gluten-friendly, you can easily adapt the entire dish for gluten-free diets.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

Make sure to layer the tater tots on top in a single layer and don’t cover with foil when baking. Baking uncovered is the secret to that irresistible crunch!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never given Tater Tots Casserole a try, now’s the perfect time to bring some nostalgic, cheesy comfort into your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that sparks smiles and seconds—just pure, cozy, everyone’s-happy satisfaction. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and let this classic become your family’s new favorite!

Tater Tots Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Tater Tots Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy tater tots all baked together with gooey cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Layer:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Casserole:

1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Chopped parsley for garnish, optional

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Assemble: Spread the beef mixture in the baking dish. Top with frozen tater tots in a single layer.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until tater tots are crispy. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top and bake for another 5–7 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.