I make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef when I need a fast, filling meal that uses pantry and freezer staples. It works especially well on busy nights, warms up easily, and feeds the whole family with very little effort. This one-pan dish became a go-to when I needed dinners that were simple, flexible, and reliably liked by everyone.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a baked comfort dish made with seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, and a crisp layer of tater tots on top. The beef and sauce stay savory and mild, while the tots turn golden and crunchy with a soft layer underneath. It’s commonly made for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings when you want something warm, simple, and satisfying.If you like dishes that use ground beef, you might also like a related idea like cheesy penne with garlic butter and ground beef that uses the same simple tools and pantry items.
Why make this recipe
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef saves time by letting you cook the beef while the oven preheats. The quick sauce made from soup and sour cream means there’s no need to prepare anything from scratch, and frozen tater tots cut down on prep even more. It’s an easy way to feed several people with minimal effort.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef has a simple, familiar flavor that both kids and adults enjoy. The crispy top and soft interior make it comforting, and the recipe is easy to adjust with different spices or more cheese. It works well for busy nights, leftovers, and meals when you want fewer dishes to clean up.
How to make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
To make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef, start by browning the beef with onion in a skillet, then drain any excess fat. Stir in the cream soup and sour cream and heat briefly so the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Spread the beef mixture into a greased casserole dish, add a layer of cheese, and arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top.
Bake Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef until the tater tots are golden and crisp, then remove the dish and add the final layer of cheese so it melts over the top. Let the casserole rest for about five minutes before serving, which helps keep the bottom moist while the topping stays crispy. If you want ideas for other tater tot uses, see a small snack idea like tater tot appetizer cups.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices
The ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef are common and easy to find, making it simple to shop for and prepare. Cream of mushroom soup and sour cream create a creamy beef mixture without extra steps, while onion adds mild flavor and depth. Cheddar cheese can be mild or sharp, depending on taste.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef uses frozen tater tots as a ready-made topping that crisps nicely in the oven. Basic salt and pepper season the dish, with optional garlic powder or paprika for added flavor. The short ingredient list keeps the recipe quick, familiar, and easy to make.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A fully heated oven helps the tater tots crisp evenly once the casserole is baking.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is soft. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain off excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Make the creamy beef mixture
Stir the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through. This creates the creamy base for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole
Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef to form a melty center layer.
Step 5: Add the tater tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese. Keeping them on top allows them to brown and crisp properly.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Step 7: Add final cheese layer
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Rest and serve
Let the Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop and serve.
How to serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef hot and cut into squares, using a spatula or spoon to portion it onto plates. It pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed green beans, or bagged coleslaw to balance the meal. A sprinkle of green onion or a small spoon of ketchup can be added on top if desired.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef also works well for casual gatherings and potlucks. Serve smaller portions with extra vegetables for a lighter meal, or bring it straight in the casserole dish and keep it warm in a low oven until ready to eat.
How to store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Let Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef cool to room temperature before covering tightly with a lid or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three to four days, using airtight containers for smaller portions to keep it fresh.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef can also be frozen in a freezer-safe dish for up to two months. Reheat from the fridge at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or thaw overnight before baking from frozen. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, though the tater tots may lose some crispness.
Tips to make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
For best results with Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef, use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, and drain well after browning if needed. Mix the soup and sour cream until smooth before adding them to the beef so the sauce spreads evenly. Taste the beef mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Arrange the tater tots close together but not stacked so heat reaches each one evenly. For extra crispness, you can briefly place Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef under the broiler, watching closely to avoid burning. Let the casserole rest for about five minutes after baking so it sets properly, and use pre-shredded cheese for speed or freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
Variation
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is easy to adjust with simple ingredient swaps. You can replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a slightly different mild flavor. Ground turkey or ground chicken works well for a lighter option, and adding a cup of frozen mixed vegetables brings extra color and nutrition without changing the method.
For more flavor, Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef can include drained diced green chiles for gentle heat or cooked mushrooms and bell peppers for added texture. If you prefer a less creamy version, skip the sour cream and use a beaten egg to help bind the mixture. These swaps keep the process the same while changing the final taste or texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other meats in this recipe?
A: Yes. You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork. Cook them the same way.
Q: Do I have to thaw the tater tots?
A: No. Use the tater tots frozen. They crisp better when baking from frozen.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble in the dish, cover, and keep in the fridge. Bake when ready, but add a few extra minutes if cold.
Q: How can I make it less salty?
A: Use low-sodium soup and less cheese. Taste the beef mix before baking and add salt a little at a time.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a dependable comfort meal that comes together quickly using simple ingredients and one pan. With its creamy beef base and crispy tater tot topping, it delivers familiar flavor that works for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings. Easy to customize and simple to store and reheat, this casserole is a practical recipe to keep on hand when you want something warm, filling, and easy to make. For another classic take on this dish, see The BEST Tater Tot Casserole – Mom On Timeout for extra ideas. If you want a video guide and extra tips, try Tater Tot Casserole Recipe (with Video).
Print
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and easy one-pan meal combining browned ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and cook until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. Let the casserole rest for five minutes after baking to set. You can swap the cream of mushroom soup with other soups for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
