If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole. This dish is a bubbly, golden masterpiece that combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, a blanket of cheddar cheese, and a crispy crown of tater tots. It’s a classic family favorite that never fails to bring everyone rushing to the table, and with every bite you’ll understand why this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is so beloved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this casserole is how simple the ingredient list is, yet each component plays a vital role in building flavor and creating that crave-worthy texture. With just a handful of pantry staples and freezer finds, you can whip up a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, crispy, and totally irresistible.
- Ground beef: Gives the casserole its hearty, meaty base—feel free to sub in ground turkey or a plant-based option if you prefer.
- Diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor as it softens and cooks with the beef.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, minced, bring warmth and aroma without overpowering the casserole.
- Cream of mushroom soup: The classic creamy binder—if you like, swap for cream of chicken or celery for a twist.
- Sour cream: Adds a luscious tang and extra creaminess to the beef filling.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer so the flavors shine through.
- Paprika: A touch of smokiness and color really enhances the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor—half goes in the filling, half melts on top.
- Frozen tater tots: The signature crispy topping that makes this casserole so fun and satisfying.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end brightens things up and adds a pop of color.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir and break up the meat as it cooks, letting the onion soften and the beef brown—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s all evenly cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too heavy.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
With the beef and onion ready, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about a minute. This quick sauté brings out the garlic’s flavor without letting it burn. Next, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until everything is fully combined and the beef is coated in that rich, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Mix in the Cheese
Now comes the first cheesy layer! Stir in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the beef mixture. This adds a gooey, melty richness that’s absolutely essential for a true Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the beef mixture into your prepped baking dish and spread it out evenly. Take the frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer right on top—don’t worry about being too precise, but make sure they’re mostly covering the surface for that signature crispy topping.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese all over the tater tots, then pop the dish into the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the tots are golden and crispy, and everything is bubbling around the edges. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps the casserole set and makes it easier to scoop.
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Garnishes
Once your Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley over the top. Not only does it add a fresh, herby note, but it also makes the dish look extra inviting with a splash of green against all that golden cheese.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted veggies. The freshness of the sides balances out the rich, cheesy goodness of the main dish, making for a well-rounded dinner everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions—perfect for parties or family gatherings. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flair. For a brunch version, try adding a handful of cooked bacon or a sprinkle of chives on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, simply assemble the casserole (but don’t bake it), wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time. You can also freeze baked leftovers in individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly and the tater tots are crisp again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the texture just right. Cover loosely with foil if needed to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the whole casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through and the tater tots are crispy.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives, and plant-based ground “meats” also work well for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to season generously for the best flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Frozen peas, corn, green beans, or even sautéed mushrooms make tasty additions to Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole. Just stir them into the beef mixture before assembling.
How do I get extra crispy tater tots on top?
For ultra-crispy tater tots, arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each. You can also bake the tots for 10 minutes on a sheet pan before adding them to the casserole for extra crunch.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
As written, the recipe contains gluten from the cream of mushroom soup and possibly the tater tots. To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free soup and check your tater tot packaging for gluten-free labeling.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sharing a bubbling dish of Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with people you love. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. If you haven’t tried this classic yet, now’s the perfect time to gather your ingredients and dive in—one bite and you’ll see why it’s always a hit!
Print
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese for a delicious, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Canned Goods
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Frozen and Fresh
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion softens, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma and flavor without burning.
- Mix Soup and Seasonings: Combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and paprika into the beef mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Cheese: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the beef and soup mixture, helping to bind the flavors and add richness.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture for even crispiness.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots for a cheesy crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking to settle. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or chopped green chiles before baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
- This casserole reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
