Classic Tater Tot Casserole

This family-friendly tater tot casserole recipe is easy, cheesy, and a hearty way to feed a crowd!

A hearty layer of ground beef and veggies is smothered in a shortcut sauce is topped with cheese and tater tots and then baked to golden perfection.

A fuss-free and oh-so-satisfying meal, it’s a hit with everyone at the table!

taking a spoonful of Classic Tater Tot-Casserole

An Easy Family Favorite

Tater Tot Casserole, aka Tater Tot Hotdish, is a beloved Midwest classic that has found its way into the kitchens (and hearts) of people all over.

This classic comfort food has simple ingredients that you likely have on hand.
This casserole is inexpensive to prepare and extra veggies can stretch the meal further.
This meal only needs 15 minutes of prep and can be prepared ahead of time.
It’s great as a meal on its own or serve with a quick side salad.

Ingredients in Tater Tot Casserole

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the base of this recipe but use any type of ground meat, like ground turkey.
Sauce: Cream of mushroom soup makes an easy sauce for this casserole recipe. Any “cream of” soup will work just fine, cream of chicken soup is a great alternative.
Vegetables: I most often use fresh veggies (and frozen corn or peas) but frozen mixed vegetables are a great quick option. Add in your favorites from mushrooms to green beans.
For extra flavor, stir any of the following into the ground beef mixture: garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce.

Variations

Ingredients to make classic tater tot casserole in a pot

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

This one of those easy dinners that’ every in my family loves’ll become a regular in your rotation.

Brown ground beef & onion in a large skillet.
Mix veggies, soup, milk, seasonings, & beef in a baking dish. Top with frozen tater tots & cover with cheese.
Bake per the recipe below until the cheese is bubbly & tater tots are browned on top.

Tater tot casserole can be made in the crock pot as well!

Ingredients to make classic tater tot casserole mixed together in a pot

Storing Leftovers

Keep tater tot casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat in the microwave and serve for a quick school or workday lunch (or in the oven if you’d like crispy tater tots).
Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 weeks.
Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Favorite Casserole Recipes

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Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with hearty ingredients, Tater Tot Casserole is comfort food at its finest!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Servings 6

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Brown ground beef and onion over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
In a bowl mix the thawed vegetables, soup, milk, seasonings, beef mixture, and ½ cup shredded cheese. Spread into a 3qt (or 9×13-inch) casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Top with tater tots and bake for 40-50 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the tots are golden brown.

*If using fresh vegetables such as carrots and celery, they should be steamed or can be cooked in the frying pan along with the browned beef until tender.
Frozen vegetables should be thawed first. Any variation or mixture of vegetables can be added.
Canned mushroom soup can be substituted with other “cream of” soups, gravy, or even a can of gravy or tomato soup.
Any size casserole dish can be used for this recipe. A deeper dish may need a little bit of extra cooking time.
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. If chilled from the fridge, it will require extra baking time.

5 from 65 votes

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beef, Casserole, Dinner, Entree

Cuisine American

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