If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a big, warm hug, look no further than Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. This classic Midwest-inspired dish transforms simple pantry staples into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece—every bite is creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a surefire way to bring smiles to the table.

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: each ingredient pulls its weight to create that signature flavor and irresistible texture. From the crispy tater tots to the melty cheese, every item is essential for building layers of deliciousness in your Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef.

Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole, providing a hearty, savory base and plenty of protein.
Chopped Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth, making the beef mixture extra flavorful.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Brings creaminess and a subtle earthiness, tying all the ingredients together.
Milk: Loosens the sauce just enough for a perfectly creamy texture without being runny.
Frozen Tater Tots: The star topping, baking up crisp and golden over the casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, adding that final irresistible touch.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by getting your oven nice and hot—preheat it to 375°F (190°C). A properly heated oven ensures those tater tots bake up crispy and golden. While the oven is warming, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Grab your largest skillet and crumble the ground beef over medium heat. Cook, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat—this keeps your casserole from becoming greasy while letting the beef’s rich flavor shine.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Add the chopped onion straight into the skillet with the cooked beef. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it turns soft and fragrant. The onion’s sweetness will mingle perfectly with the beef, setting the stage for a flavorful filling.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Beef Mixture

To that skillet, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Season generously with salt and pepper, then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This step transforms the meat and onions into a luscious, creamy base that holds the casserole together.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the creamy beef mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now comes the fun part: arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top. Don’t worry about being too precise—just make sure every inch gets covered for that signature crunch.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The tater tots will turn beautifully golden and crisp, locking in all that creamy goodness below.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Final Bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot tater tots, then return the casserole to the oven. Bake for just 5 more minutes, until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly—the finishing touch for your Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes (if you can wait!). This helps everything set up, making it easier to slice and serve. Now, dig in and enjoy every comforting bite!

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can brighten up the casserole and add a pop of color. Try sprinkling chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or even a little extra shredded cheddar on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream on the side never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

This comfort classic pairs well with simple sides. Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef alongside a crisp green salad, buttery corn, or steamed green beans for a well-rounded meal. The freshness of veggies balances out the richness of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for personal servings. Or, serve it buffet-style at a potluck, letting guests top their own portions with hot sauce, chopped chives, or pickled jalapeños. However you choose to present it, this dish always brings people together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef keeps beautifully. Simply cover the cooled casserole with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer portions into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic candidate for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, you can freeze the baked or unbaked casserole. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking as usual—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until they’re hot and the tater tots are crisp (about 20 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just know the tots might not stay as crispy. Either way, a quick sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating brings that just-baked magic back.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute all work well in Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. Just make sure to season generously for the best flavor.

Can I make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just bake as directed and add a few extra minutes if needed. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights!

How do I keep the tater tots extra crispy?

The key is to bake the casserole uncovered so the tots can brown and crisp up. For even more crunch, use the convection setting on your oven if you have one, or broil for a minute or two at the end—just keep a close eye so they don’t burn.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Stir in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or mixed veggies with the beef mixture before assembling. It’s an easy way to add color and boost nutrition without much extra effort.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the crispiest results, reheat slices of Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef in the oven rather than the microwave. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, then uncover for the last few minutes to restore that signature crunch.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef enough—it’s the kind of dish that turns any mealtime into an occasion. If you’re looking for something cozy, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious, give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A classic, comforting Tater Tot Casserole featuring savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy golden tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy family dinner that’s hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped

Condiments and Liquids

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk

Other

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue until browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and softened, enhancing the flavor.
Make the Creamy Beef Mixture: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk into the beef and onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the creamy beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, evenly layer the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Add Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the casserole briefly and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set, then serve warm. Enjoy this hearty, delicious comfort food with your family or friends.

Notes

For added veggies, consider mixing in frozen peas or corn with the beef mixture before baking.
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor twist.
Feel free to add a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra seasoning.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
To make it gluten-free, ensure the cream of mushroom soup and tater tots are gluten-free varieties.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American