Tater Tots Casserole Recipe
If you’re a fan of comfort food that’s easy to make and absolutely hits the spot, this Tater Tots Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with its golden, crispy tater tots crowning a creamy, cheesy, beefy base. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving something cozy, this casserole packs warmth and flavor into every bite. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra – it’s that irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Tater Tots Casserole is its short, fuss-free ingredient list. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to layer in flavor, texture, and just a pop of color, making this comfort classic both easy and delightfully satisfying.
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef brings hearty flavor and satisfying protein to the base of your casserole.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth, creating an aromatic foundation for the whole dish.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced, infuse the casserole with irresistible savory notes.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This classic shortcut creates a creamy, luscious sauce that binds everything together.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar melts into a gooey, flavorful layer that oozes comfort.
- Frozen tater tots: The star of the show! Golden, crispy, and perfectly bite-sized, tater tots form the irresistible topping.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the savory flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper: A little pepper adds gentle warmth and depth to the filling.
- Worcestershire sauce: This secret ingredient delivers a subtle umami punch and ties all the flavors together.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): These fresh garnishes add a burst of color and a hint of brightness to finish.
How to Make Tater Tots Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot for baking up those tater tots to golden perfection. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, cooking and breaking up the beef until it’s browned and the onions are soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any extra grease, keeping your casserole rich but never greasy.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute until fragrant. Now, pour in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together until you have a creamy, savory mixture that smells absolutely amazing.
Step 4: Layer in the Baking Dish
Spread your beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, making sure to cover every bit of the filling for maximum cheesy goodness. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots over the cheese in a single, even layer. Don’t worry about perfection—just make sure the tots are spread out so they bake up nice and crispy.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy, while the cheesy, beefy base bubbles underneath. Once baked, let your Tater Tots Casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This little pause lets everything set up beautifully. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch if you like.
How to Serve Tater Tots Casserole
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in making your Tater Tots Casserole look and taste extra special. Try a scatter of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on each serving can really kick things up a notch.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or lightly steamed vegetables brings balance to your meal. A crisp coleslaw or even buttered corn on the side complements the rich, creamy flavors and adds some extra crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun, serve your Tater Tots Casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch—perfect for dinner parties or potlucks. If you’re feeding a crowd, scoop generous portions into bowls and top with extra cheese or a sprinkle of bacon bits. Kids love it served as “tot nachos” with their favorite toppings on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tater Tots Casserole stores beautifully in the fridge. Just transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more as it sits, making for excellent lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Tater Tots Casserole for future meals. For best results, assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave until hot, or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If you want the tater tots to crisp back up, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or a meat substitute instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully in Tater Tots Casserole. Just be sure to season well, as leaner meats can be milder in flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely. A layer of frozen mixed vegetables under the cheese is a fantastic way to sneak in extra nutrition without changing the classic taste or texture.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots before baking?
No need to thaw—just place the frozen tater tots right on top of your casserole. They’ll bake up perfectly crispy in the oven.
Can I make Tater Tots Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for busy schedules or entertaining.
What’s the best way to prevent a soggy bottom?
Be sure to drain any excess grease from the beef and use a hot oven to help the tater tots crisp up. Baking uncovered also ensures the top gets golden and crunchy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Tater Tots Casserole enough for anyone searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s equal parts nostalgic and delicious. Whether you’re new to casseroles or a seasoned pro, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts (and appetites) every single time. Give it a try and get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food experience!
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Tater Tots Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Tater Tots Casserole featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Cheese and Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma and flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce into the beef mixture until it is well combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer to cover the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy, golden brown, and fully cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- For added nutrition, layer frozen mixed vegetables under the cheese before topping with tater tots.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian variation.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
