Tater Tot Casserole

This Tater Tot casserole delivers a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love. With just four basic ingredients, this comforting dish brings together simple flavors for an incredibly satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at your dinner table.

Close-up of cheesy tater tot casserole with ground beef
Golden, crispy tater tots layered over hearty beef and melty cheese—comfort food doesn’t get better than this! 🧀🥔🍽️

What Makes This Recipe Special

This tater tot casserole recipe combines cheap ingredients into a hearty, family-friendly meal. The ground beef provides protein, while condensed cream of mushroom soup adds richness and creaminess. Topped with crispy frozen tater tots and melted Cheddar cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this tater tot recipe:

Close-up of cheesy tater tot casserole with ground beef

Tater Tot Casserole

This quick and easy tater tot casserole uses just four basic ingredients for a comforting, family-friendly dinner. Crispy tater tots, creamy soup, savory beef, and melted cheese come together in a hearty bake.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 345 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef cooked until browned and crumbly
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 1 package frozen tater tots 16 oz
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 7–10 minutes.
  • Stir in condensed cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  • Layer frozen tater tots over the beef mixture in a single layer.
  • Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake for 30–45 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. Add a layer of vegetables (like green beans or corn) for a one-dish meal.

Beef: Start with 1 pound ground beef, cooked until brown and crumbly Canned soup: One 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup adds flavor and richness Seasonings: Simple salt and black pepper seasoning keeps it classic Tater tots: One 16-ounce package frozen tater tots creates the signature crispy top Cheese: 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese for the most delicious results

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

This recipe is straightforward and perfect for busy weeknights:

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until completely browned and crumbly, about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in the condensed soup and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the tater tots evenly on top, then sprinkle with the shredded Cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven until tater tots are golden brown and hot, 30 to 45 minutes.

You may also like our 30 Minutes Mexican Vegetarian Cheese Jiffy Corn Bread Casserole.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Store leftover tater tot casserole in a shallow, airtight container for up to five days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave before serving.

You can freeze tater tot casserole, but it’s best to freeze it before cooking. Assemble the casserole according to the recipe, but instead of baking, wrap the whole dish in storage wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to four months, then bake according to the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to account for the frozen temperature.

Nutrition Information

Per serving: 345 calories, 24g fat, 17g carbs, 19g protein (serves 4)

This comforting casserole proves that delicious dinners don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques. Serve and enjoy this crowd-pleasing meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

FAQs

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade white sauce. Each will slightly change the flavor but work just as well.

Can I make tater tot casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy on top, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables, corn, or green beans work great. Add 1-2 cups to the beef mixture before transferring to the baking dish.

This easy tater tot casserole recipe delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. Just four simple ingredients create a golden, cheesy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s proof that the best family meals don’t need to be complicated!