Tater Tot Casserole

why make this recipe

Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and loved by everyone. It combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and delicious tater tots into a warm and satisfying dish. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when you want to bring something tasty to a potluck. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen!

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Tater Tot Casserole recipe card
Emma Franklin

Classic Tater Tot Casserole

This Classic Tater Tot Casserole is an easy, family-friendly comfort dish made with ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, melted cheese, and crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this hearty casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice)
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • nonstick cooking spray

Equipment

  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • spatula
  • oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onions (if using) until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  4. Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
  5. Layer the frozen tater tots evenly over the beef mixture.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Let cool slightly before serving and enjoy your comforting casserole!

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 26gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 890mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 210mgIron: 2.8mg

Notes

For extra nutrition, add veggies like peas, corn, or carrots to the beef mixture. You can make it vegetarian with plant-based meat and cream of mushroom soup. Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day! Serve hot with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

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how to make Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onions (if using) until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  5. Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tater tots.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Tater Tot Casserole recipe

how to serve Tater Tot Casserole

Serve Tater Tot Casserole hot right from the oven. It goes great with a side of salad or steamed vegetables. You can also add some hot sauce or ketchup on the side for extra flavor.

how to store Tater Tot Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Just make sure to cover it well before putting it in the freezer.

tips to make Tater Tot Casserole

  • Use lean ground beef to make it healthier.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables, like peas or corn, for extra nutrition.
  • For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.

variation

You can easily make a vegetarian version of this casserole by replacing ground beef with a mix of your favorite veggies or plant-based meat substitute. Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a plant-based option for a fully vegetarian dish.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of cheese?

Yes! You can use any cheese you like. Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses works great.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure your tater tots are gluten-free too.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and layer it with the tater tots and cheese ahead of time. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.