Name: Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 (24 ounce) package frozen tater tots (3 cups), not thawed

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 33 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a hearty, family-friendly meal that brings together crispy, creamy, and cheesy all in one dish, look no further than this classic Tater Tot Casserole Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food that delivers layers of flavor—from savory ground beef and tender veggies to melted cheddar and perfectly golden tater tots on top. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy dinner, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients placed on a white marbled textured surface, arranged neatly around a black tray holding raw ground beef with visible pink lines and texture. To the left, there is a glass bowl filled with small, golden brown tater tots. Above the beef, a glass bowl contains finely chopped white onions, and a small glass of dark brown liquid sits beside it. Below the beef tray, a small clear bowl holds a deep red thick sauce, and next to it is a small bowl filled with black pepper and white salt. To the right, a glass bowl contains a mix of colorful frozen vegetables like green beans, peas, carrots, and corn, and near it, two cloves of garlic sit in a small glass container. In the bottom left corner, there is a small bowl of light golden olive oil, and in the top right corner, a rectangular block of bright orange cheddar cheese rests on the surface. The whole setup is placed on a light gray and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to getting that perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Tater Tot Casserole Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the juicy ground beef to the crispy tater tots that crown this dish with irresistible crunch.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps brown the beef evenly for rich flavor and a juicy base.
1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this casserole truly filling.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth once sautéed.
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Provides a punch of savory warmth that blends beautifully.
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful and nutritious medley that adds texture and freshness.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Brings a subtle tang and richness that complements the beef.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and balances all the flavors perfectly.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Offers just the right amount of gentle spice.
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Creates the creamy, comforting sauce base everyone loves.
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into gooey layers that tie the casserole together beautifully.
1 (24 ounce) package frozen tater tots (about 3 cups): The crispy, golden topping that makes this dish unforgettable.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to get that perfect baking temperature ready. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat just until shimmering, about a minute. Toss in the ground beef and cook it until nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula to ensure every bite has that rich, caramelized flavor. Then, stir in the diced onion and chopped garlic, cooking until they soften and fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Flavor Boosters

Next, mix in the frozen vegetables along with tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients work together to create a deeply savory filling with an exciting variety of textures and tastes. Don’t forget to season with salt and ground black pepper, which perfectly balance the flavors and elevate the entire mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Layers

Transfer your beef and vegetable mixture to a 3-quart oval or round baking dish—if you don’t have one, a 9×13-inch casserole dish works just as well. Pour the condensed cream of mushroom soup evenly over the beef mixture to introduce that creamy, luscious element. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese in a generous, even layer before topping everything with the frozen tater tots arranged neatly, ensuring every bite will have that satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are beautifully golden and crisp, the cheese is perfectly melted, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to set the flavors and make it easier to portion out.

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

The dish in a black pan features a cooked mix of ground meat, diced orange carrots, corn, melted cheese, and some herbs topped with crispy golden tater tots arranged on one side. On top of the tater tots, there are halved red and yellow cherry tomatoes and green sliced scallions scattered for color. A wooden spoon scoops up a portion of the hearty meat and vegetable mixture that has a soft, creamy texture with a light brown color and bits of melted cheese, against the dark background of the pan. The woman’s hand holding the spoon is not shown but implied. The surface beneath the pan has a smooth white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh, vibrant touch to your Tater Tot Casserole Recipe, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream on the side also adds a cool creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the rich layers of the casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands proudly on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. For something heartier, garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make fantastic accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Tater Tot Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming family-style presentation. You can also experiment by incorporating different vegetables or swapping cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a little extra zing. This dish is incredibly adaptable and perfect for customizing to your taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, let leftover casserole cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Stored in an airtight container, leftovers keep well for 3 to 4 days and taste just as delicious reheated.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead of time, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it; cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it straight from frozen, adding additional baking time as needed until heated through and golden.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot and bubbly. For larger servings, warming leftovers in a 350°F oven helps maintain that delightful crispness on the tater tots and evenly melts the cheese again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in the Tater Tot Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables work great too, just chop them into bite-sized pieces and sauté until tender before adding to the beef mixture. This can enhance both texture and flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Tater Tot Casserole Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms to keep the savory richness while making it vegetarian-friendly.

What can I use if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

Try making a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and mushroom seasoning or use a cream of chicken soup as an alternative depending on your preference.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and confirm that your tater tots don’t contain any gluten additives.

How do I get the tater tots extra crispy on top?

Baking uncovered is key, and if you want even crispier tots, you can finish the casserole under a broiler for a couple of minutes—just watch carefully so nothing burns!

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is pure magic for anyone craving comfort food that’s both easy to make and endlessly delicious. From the bubbling cheese to those crispy tater tots, it’s a dish that brings people together and fills bellies with warmth and satisfaction. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new family favorite!

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics