What’s your favorite comfort food? What is your new best friend Tater Tot Casserole? Is it like shepherd’s pie? I grew up on this – my grandma used to make a version every Thanksgiving (weird, I know, but totally). This updated take on a classic is cheesy, savory, and SO easy to throw together, even on the go. What are some of the I always feel like a hero when I make it, and honestly, who doesn’t love crispy tater?
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What is Tater Tot Casserole?
What is a Tater Tot Casserole? Is it a hearty ground meat base? ), mixed with veggies, smothered in a creamy sauce, and then crowned with an amazing layer of crispy bacon. What is comfort in a casserole dish? I call it “totchos” because, well, it kinda feels like nachos but with tots. Is there any way to make it better if you ask me?
Why do you like this recipe?
Listen, there are a million casseroles out there, but this Tater Tot Casserole is different. It’s not just about ease (although that’s a HUGE perk!). It’s about the flavor explosion that happens when crispy, salty tater tots meet a rich, savory filling. What I love most about this is the texture contrast. The creamy filling paired with the crunchy tots is just…*chef’s kiss*. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Ground beef is usually pretty budget-friendly, and you can easily bulk it up with extra veggies to stretch it even further.
And let’s talk versatility! You can customize this to your heart’s content. I’ve made it with ground turkey, shredded chicken, even a vegetarian version with lentils. The possibilities are endless! My friend Sarah swears by adding a can of diced green chiles for a little kick. This is also a lifesaver when unexpected guests arrive! You can even prep the filling in advance and just assemble and bake when needed. You seriously can’t go wrong!
How do I make Tater Tot Casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Tater Tot Casserole is surprisingly simple. You basically brown some ground beef with onions and garlic, stir in some veggies and a creamy sauce, pour it into a baking dish, and top it with tater tots. Then bake until bubbly and golden brown. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so forgiving. Don’t have a specific veggie? Swap it out! Need to use up leftover cooked chicken? Go for it! It’s all about making it your own and enjoying the process.
Ingredients
For the Filling: For filling
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is great for flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup. (1.75 ounce) Can.
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor)?
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots or corn – or whatever you have)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. 1 tablespoon Worcesters.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon sugar.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided into 4 equal parts.
For the Tater Tot Topping:
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots.
- Optional: Melted butter or cooking spray for extra crispiness.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. How do you keep a casserole from sticking? I always do this first so the oven is ready when I am.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Ground Beef. Remove from the heat and set aside. If you break it up with a spoon as it cooks, you want it to be fully cooked through and no longer pink. What do you do when you drain off the grease from a casserole?
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook until onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. What is the smell of onions and garlic cooking?
Step 4: Stir in the Goodness
Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. Serve immediately. What are the ingredients for sauce, salt and pepper? I sometimes add a splash of milk if the mixture seems too thick. I like to keep it that way. You want it to be easily spreadable.
Step 5: Cheesy Time!
Add 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir until melted and combined. What is the best way to serve cheese with your favorite toppings?
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
In a large baking dish, pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared dish. Spread it evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can get fancy and arrange them in a pattern!
Step 7: Bake It Up
Is it safe to bake tater tots in the preheated oven for 30 minutes? Is the filling bubbly? If the tater tots start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes. 10-15 minutes of baking. I always check them around the 30-minute mark to make sure they’re not burning.
Step 8: Final Cheese Touch
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Is it a good time to eat Let it melt for a few minutes. This adds another layer of cheesy goodness!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the filling a chance to set up a bit. Serve hot and enjoy! I like to top mine with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
What should I serve it with?
What are some great side dishes to serve with a tater tot casserole? How do you round out your meal?
What is a simple weeknight dinner?A side salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of casserole.
For a Potluck: Coleslaw or potato salad. Classic potluck sides that always go well with comfort food.
For a Special Occasion: Steamed green beans or asparagus. A slightly more elegant side dish to balance out the heartiness of the casserole.
For a Cozy Night In: A big bowl of popcorn. Seriously, movie night with tater tot casserole and popcorn? Perfection! We always did this on snow days when I was growing up!
My family loves having some ketchup or hot sauce on the side too. It just depends on your taste!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Tater Tot Casserole
Okay, I’ve made this tater tot casserole *a lot* over the years, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:
Beef Choice: Don’t be afraid to use a slightly higher fat content ground beef. The fat adds flavor and keeps the filling moist. I usually go for 80/20.
Veggie Power: Feel free to add more vegetables! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach would be great additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you add a lot more veggies.
Creamy Dreamy: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Or, for a healthier option, try making your own creamy sauce with milk, flour, and seasonings.
Tot Tip: For extra crispy tater tots, toss them with a little melted butter or cooking spray before arranging them on top of the casserole. You can also broil them for the last few minutes of baking, but watch them carefully so they don’t burn!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little kick. My husband loves it when I do this!
Cheese Please: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious.
Rest is Best: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set up a bit and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving tater tot casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover tater tot casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: Tater tot casserole freezes well! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. I like to write the date on the freezer bag so I know when I made it.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated tater tot casserole, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave it, but the tater tots won’t be as crispy. For frozen tater tot casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Or, you can bake it directly from frozen, but it will take longer to heat through. I always add a little extra cheese on top when reheating – just because!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This tater tot casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a dish! It’s easy, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just when you need a little comfort food in your life. If you love this casserole, you might also enjoy my recipes for shepherd’s pie, lasagna, or mac and cheese. They’re all equally comforting and delicious! I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what variations you tried. Happy cooking!
tater tot casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef Lean ground beef
- 1 can Cream of mushroom soup 10.75 oz can
- 1 cup Milk Whole milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 bag Tater tots 32 oz bag
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- In a bowl, combine the browned ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the ground beef mixture.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
