This Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Made with seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy golden tater tots, it's an easy family-friendly casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pan dinner
- Family favorite comfort food
- Crispy golden tater tots
- Cheesy and satisfying
- Great for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned.
Drain excess grease.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
Mix until smooth.
Stir in the cooked beef mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer across the top.
Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with parsley if desired.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
Assemble the casserole without baking.
Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey works well as a lean substitute.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Corn, peas, green beans, and mixed vegetables are popular additions.
Why is it called Tater Tot Casserole?
The casserole is topped with crispy tater tots instead of a traditional crust or topping.