This Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, and melty cheddar cheese all topped with crispy tater tots makes for an irresistible meal. It’s simple to make, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending rich and creamy ingredients with a crispy, golden topping. The ground beef adds protein and flavor, while the creamy mushroom soup and sour cream create a luscious sauce. The shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the casserole, and the tater tots on top provide that satisfying crunch. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a go-to meal in your household.

Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. When the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add the Soup and Sour Cream: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the ground beef mixture. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to heat through and combine.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
  5. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  7. Add the Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot and serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetable for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Add Vegetables: You can add frozen peas, corn, or even green beans to the beef mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Spicy Version: For a kick, add some diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
  • Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
  • Cheese Variations: You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent the tater tots from over-browning.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes, you can use thinly sliced fresh potatoes or homemade hashbrowns, but the cooking time may vary. Ensure they’re cooked through and crispy on top.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. Bake it in the oven when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

3. Can I make this recipe without the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or any other cream soup you prefer.

4. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

5. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you like! Cheddar works best for flavor, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend would work.

7. How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add some spicy sausage or stir in some hot sauce, chili flakes, or jalapeños into the beef mixture.

8. Can I add extra seasoning to the beef mixture?

Absolutely! You can add extra spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to taste.

9. Can I use a smaller pan?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a smaller pan. You may need to reduce the amount of tater tots and cheese, and check the casserole at around 20-25 minutes to see if it’s done.

10. How can I make this casserole lighter?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the dish.

Conclusion

This Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining flavorful ground beef, creamy cheese, and crispy tater tots into one hearty dish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a family dinner. With endless possibilities for customization, you can make this dish your own and serve it up in no time!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Chef MARTHA
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Description

A comforting and hearty Tater Tot Casserole featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, and melty cheddar cheese topped with crispy tater tots.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the Soup and Sour Cream: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
  5. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  7. Add the Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with a side salad or your favorite vegetable for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For added texture, mix in frozen peas, corn, or green beans into the beef mixture before layering the cheese.
  • For extra heat, add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
  • For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star