Tater Tot Casserole

Craving Comfort Food?

Ever tasted the glorious combination of crispy tater tots, savory beef, and melted cheese that just makes your soul sing? If you haven’t had Tater Tot Casserole, you’re in for a serious treat! This quick and creamy one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will have everyone at the dinner table clamoring for seconds.

Why Make This Recipe

Let’s be real—who doesn’t love a dish that’s easy to whip up and even easier to clean? Tater Tot Casserole checks all the right boxes:

• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will dive into this hearty meal with gusto.
• Affordable: You won’t break the bank whipping this up, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
• Minimal Cleanup: Seriously, it’s all made in one pan. More time for Netflix, less for scrubbing dishes!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 bag frozen tater tots
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how you create this dreamy casserole in 8 simple steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat until well browned. Drain the excess grease.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef with cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish.
5. Layer the tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Tater Tot Casserole!

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole (Overview)

Here’s a relaxed, step-by-step way to think about your cooking adventure:

1. Prep: Start by browning your beef and onions. Don’t rush this; it’s where the flavor starts.
2. Mix: Combine the beef, soup, and seasonings in a bowl. Simple, right?
3. Layer: Spread your mixture into a baking dish and add those glorious tater tots on top. It’s all about the presentation!
4. Cheese Time: Top it off with a generous handful of cheese. Because, why not?
5. Bake and Enjoy: Bake until everything’s hot and melty—then dig in!

Quick pro tip: Don’t skip the browning of the beef; it adds that extra layer of flavor!

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole

Serving this casserole is all about the vibe! Think family gatherings, cozy dinners, or movie nights. The golden, crunchy tater tots contrast so beautifully with the creamy, meaty base. Plus, the aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

Pair it with a simple salad for a fresh crunch or some garlic bread for that extra carb fix. It’s comfort food at its best—what’s not to love?

How to Store Tater Tot Casserole

Leftovers? Who even has those? But if you do, Tater Tot Casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s covered!

For longer storage, you can freeze it for about 2-3 months. When reheating, pop it back in the oven to get the top nice and crisp again—microwaving just can’t compete with oven-baked goodness!

Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole

Here are a few insider tricks to elevate your casserole game:

1. Don’t skimp on seasoning: Salt and pepper go a long way, so taste as you go!
2. Add veggies: Sneak in some frozen mixed veggies or sautéed bell peppers for a healthier twist.
3. Cheese blend: Mix different cheeses like cheddar and pepper jack for a flavor boost.

Variation

Feeling creative? Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Vegan Twist: Swap the ground beef for lentils or chickpeas and use a vegan cream of mushroom soup.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or use spicy sausage to give it a fiery twist.
• Breakfast Casserole: Think breakfast by swapping beef for scrambled eggs and adding diced bell peppers!

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

2. What should I do if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No problem! You can use cream of chicken or make a simple white sauce instead.

3. Is it okay to freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
Yes! Freeze it before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed when you’re ready to eat.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Tater Tot Casserole

A hearty and creamy one-pan dish featuring crispy tater tots, savory beef, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar cheese is recommended.
• 1 bag frozen tater tots
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• Salt and pepper To taste.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat until well browned. Drain the excess grease.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef with cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper.

Assembly

1. Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish.
2. Layer the tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots.

Cooking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
2. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Tater Tot Casserole!

Notes

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for about 2-3 months. When reheating, bake in the oven for best results.