Introduction

Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, creamy soup, and crispy tater tots. It’s an easy, all-in-one meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This classic casserole delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 cups finely diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 5-6 cloves)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dried parsley
3 cups thawed frozen peas and carrots
2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots (more or less as needed)
Salt (to taste)
Ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for 7-10 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onion starts to soften.
Step 4: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, thawed peas and carrots, and both cans of cream of mushroom soup. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Step 7: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the cheese. Use as many as needed to cover the surface, depending on their size.
Step 8: Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden, and the edges of the casserole are bubbling.
Step 9: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

For a twist, substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup, or use a mix of both for richer flavor.
Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for extra veggies and texture.
Use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for deeper flavor.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Make it vegetarian by using plant-based ground beef and vegetable soup instead of meat and cream of mushroom soup.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but the tater tots may lose some crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and carrots?

Absolutely. Use about 1 1/2 cups of fresh diced carrots and peas. Lightly steam them before adding to the beef mixture to ensure they’re tender in the casserole.

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

This Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef and vegetables layered with creamy soup and topped with crispy golden tater tots. It’s an easy oven-baked meal perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 cups finely diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 5–6 cloves)
3 cups thawed frozen peas and carrots

Seasonings and Sauces

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dried parsley
salt (to taste)
ground black pepper (to taste)

Other Ingredients

2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots (more or less as needed)

Instructions

Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside to be used later.
Sauté the Beef: Heat a 12 or 14-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 2 pounds of lean ground beef and cook it while breaking it up with a spatula for 7-10 minutes until there’s no pink remaining. Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat content, then reduce heat to medium.
Add Aromatics: To the cooked beef, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook these together for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic releases its fragrance.
Incorporate Seasonings and Veggies: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, thawed peas and carrots, and the two cans of cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through, then season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
Layer the Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top—the amount can vary slightly depending on the tater tot size.
Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tater tots are crispy and golden on top, and the edges of the casserole are bubbling.
Rest and Serve: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes to set up slightly for easier serving. Then, scoop and enjoy your warm, cheesy, and crispy tater tot casserole!

Notes

You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if preferred.
For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
If you like extra cheese, add a bit more shredded cheddar on top before baking.
Make sure to thaw frozen peas and carrots beforehand for even heating.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best crispiness.

Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole, comfort food, cheesy tater tots, family dinner