If you're looking for a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners, look no further than the classic Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. This savory and easy-to-make dish is loved by both kids and adults alike, combining ground beef, vegetables, a creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots. Keep reading to find out exactly how to prepare this tasty casserole, along with helpful tips, substitutions, and serving ideas. You'll want to save this recipe for your next weeknight meal!

What is Tater Tot Casserole?
Tater Tot Casserole is an American comfort food staple that layers crispy tater tots on top of a flavorful mix of ground beef and vegetables, often combined with a creamy sauce or cheese. The result is a hot, bubbling, golden-brown dish that’s perfect for serving a crowd or simply indulging on a cozy night in. While there are many variations of the recipe, the base always includes ground beef, tater tots, and a rich, creamy sauce to tie everything together.
Ingredients List for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to prepare your delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef:
- Ground Beef – 1 pound of ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for flavor and juiciness).
- Frozen Tater Tots – 1 package (32 ounces) of frozen tater tots.
- Onion – 1 medium onion, diced.
- Garlic – 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup – 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
- Sour Cream – 1 cup of sour cream for creaminess.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 1 to 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables – 1 cup of frozen peas, carrots, and corn (or vegetables of your choice).
- Salt and Pepper – To taste.
- Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon for added depth of flavor.
- Milk – ½ cup of milk (optional, to thin out the sauce if needed).
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon, for sautéing the onions and garlic.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and there are many ways you can change it up to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner alternative to ground beef, substitute it with ground turkey or chicken. The result will still be delicious, though slightly lighter in flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: You can make this recipe vegetarian by using a plant-based meat substitute, like soy crumbles, and swapping the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version.
- Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is a classic option, you can also experiment with other types like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Add Bacon: For a more indulgent twist, you can add crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for extra savory goodness.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or even cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk (if using). Stir until smooth. Add in the frozen mixed vegetables and the cooked ground beef mixture, stirring until everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown. The cheese should be melted, and the filling should be bubbling up around the edges.
Step 6: Add More Cheese
For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle another ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let the cheese melt before removing the casserole from the oven.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to slice and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Sautéing Step: Always sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the casserole. This enhances their flavor and makes a big difference in the final taste.
- Not Draining Excess Fat: If you’re using ground beef with a higher fat content, make sure to drain off the excess fat after browning. Leaving too much fat in the mixture can make the casserole greasy.
- Overcooking the Tater Tots: Keep an eye on the tater tots as they bake. You want them to be crispy but not burnt. If they start browning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Tater Tot Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving and presentation tips to take your casserole to the next level:
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole
- Family-Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the dinner table. Place a large spoon nearby for easy scooping. This is perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings.
- Individual Portions: If you're aiming for a more polished presentation, slice the casserole into squares or rectangles before serving. This ensures neat, evenly portioned servings.
- With a Side Salad: Pair your casserole with a light green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A simple vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing contrast.
- As a Potluck Dish: Tater Tot Casserole is great for potlucks. Simply prepare it in a disposable aluminum baking dish, cover it with foil, and keep it warm until it's time to serve.
Presentation Ideas for Tater Tot Casserole
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For a pop of color and freshness, garnish your casserole with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
- Add Sliced Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions sprinkled on top can add a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Cheese Drizzle: After baking, drizzle a bit of melted cheese on top for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble the entire dish, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
- Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well. Prepare it as directed, but stop before the baking step. Cover the assembled casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.
- Extra Crunch: For even crispier tater tots, consider broiling the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables in place of frozen ones. However, make sure to steam or sauté them lightly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook through.
How can I make the casserole gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free condensed soup and check that your tater tots are certified gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used in place of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. You can bulk up the casserole with more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a timeless dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish for a family gathering, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. With its crispy tater tots, savory beef mixture, and cheesy goodness, it’s no wonder this recipe has remained a favorite for generations. Be sure to experiment with the variations and tips provided, and enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintTater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe
This Tater Tot Casserole with ground beef is a comforting, cheesy dish packed with crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is simple, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser. Try this casserole for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- Stir in mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese, followed by an even layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom for a different flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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