Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or potlucks. This classic American dish combines layers of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese into a one-dish wonder your whole family will love.

It’s also incredibly flexible. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick meal or a home cook exploring nostalgic comfort dishes, this casserole delivers every time. For those focused on meal planning or food safety, this USDA guide on freezing casseroles explains how to properly freeze and reheat meals for convenience.

And if you’re watching your nutritional intake, you may want to review the nutritional profile of cheddar cheese, a key ingredient in this recipe. It’s a great way to balance indulgence with mindfulness while preparing this rich and cheesy casserole. Plus, this recipe aligns well with quick dinner ideas from EatRight, making it ideal for weeknight planning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-friendly and loved by kids
• Takes less than 15 minutes of prep
• Uses budget-friendly pantry staples
• Easily customizable with ingredients you already have
• Can be made ahead and frozen

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious tater tot casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (use freshly grated for best melt)
• 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• Frozen vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans
• Chopped onions or garlic
• Cream of chicken or cream of onion soup as alternatives
• Taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

Follow these easy steps to make a crispy, cheesy casserole the whole family will crave.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Mix in soup and seasonings to the meat mixture. Stir until combined.
4. Spread beef mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
5. Top with frozen tater tots, spreading evenly in a single layer.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the tater tots.
7. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tots are golden brown.

Optional: Broil for 3–5 minutes to make the top extra crispy.

Variations to Try

Add variety to your meal with these delicious twists:

• Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Replace beef with cooked shredded chicken and use cream of chicken soup.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and double up on mushrooms, beans, or lentils.
• Spicy Taco Casserole: Use taco-seasoned ground beef, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
• Breakfast Casserole: Add scrambled eggs, sausage, and breakfast-style cheese blend.

Pro Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole

• Don’t thaw the tater tots – they crisp up better from frozen.
• Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
• Add a layer of veggies beneath the tots to increase nutrients.
• Bake uncovered for a crispy texture.
• Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to firm up.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

This casserole is perfect for meal prepping.
To freeze before baking:

• Assemble casserole in a foil or freezer-safe dish.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze up to 3 months.

To bake from frozen:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Remove wrap and foil.
• Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 20–25 minutes.

Reheating Tips

• Oven: 350°F for 20 minutes covered
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 2–3 minutes
• Air fryer: Reheat small portions at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for crispy tots

What to Serve With It

Pair your casserole with light and fresh sides:

• Mixed greens salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
• Cornbread or garlic bread

Nutrition and Adjustments

On average, a serving contains:

• 400–500 calories
• 18–22g protein
• 25–30g carbohydrates
• Moderate sodium depending on the soup and cheese used

To make it lighter:

• Use lean ground turkey
• Substitute with reduced-fat cheese
• Opt for low-sodium soup
• Add more vegetables and less meat

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tater Tot Casserole made of?

It’s a layered dish made of ground beef, condensed soup, cheddar cheese, and frozen tater tots.

Can I make it without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes! Cream of chicken, celery, or even sour cream and milk mixtures work well.

How do you keep tater tots crispy?

Bake uncovered and optionally broil at the end for extra crispiness.

Can I add frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Add a layer of mixed veggies between the meat and tater tots.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance before baking.

What other meats can I use?

Ground turkey, sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based crumbles.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes! You can freeze it assembled before baking or freeze leftovers after cooking.

Print