Name: Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487884H40M28S
Total time: PT-487884H40M28S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option); 1 small onion, chopped; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef); Optional toppings: Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

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I love making Tater Tot Casserole because it’s an easy, all-in-one dish that’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. With layers of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and a rich sauce, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or family gatherings, and always sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I adore about this casserole is how simple it is to prepare, yet it feels like a real treat. The combination of tater tots and a creamy beef mixture topped with melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s great for any occasion. It’s the kind of dish that everyone loves, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
Optional toppings: Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Prepare the casserole filling:
- To the cooked beef, add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir to melt into the sauce.
Assemble the casserole:
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots in the last 5 minutes of baking and return to the oven to melt the cheese.
Serve:
- Once the casserole is done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color, if desired.
Enjoy:
- Slice and serve this hearty casserole as the perfect comfort meal!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep time is around 10 minutes, and bake time is 30-35 minutes.

Tater Tot Casserole

Variations

I like to change it up by:

Adding vegetables like peas, corn, or carrots to the beef mixture for extra nutrients.
Using ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.
Adding a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch.
Mixing in some spices like paprika, cayenne, or chili powder to give it a kick.
Topping with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.

Storage / Reheating

Store leftover Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use homemade sauce instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can make your own creamy sauce by combining 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and some flour to thicken it. Add seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper for flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to cook, bake it for 30-40 minutes, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh. Use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup or make your own.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, you can use roasted sweet potato cubes or even sliced potatoes, but the texture will be a little different.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! It’s simple to make, satisfying, and filled with delicious flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this casserole is always a winner and can easily be customized to suit your tastes.