Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing, cheesy, savory dish that brings everyone running to the table. With layers of hearty ground beef, creamy sauce, gooey cheddar, and a golden blanket of crispy tater tots, this casserole captures everything you love about home-cooked meals in every forkful. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck star, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for whenever you crave something truly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is that you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. Every component here has a job to do—flavor, texture, or those irresistible golden edges.

• Ground Beef: The heart of this dish, providing rich flavor and a meaty, satisfying base.
• Small Onion, Diced: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that lifts the beef.
• Garlic, Minced: Just two cloves bring a gentle kick and savory warmth.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer and making all the flavors pop.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: The key to a creamy, cohesive filling; you can swap for other creamy soups if you prefer.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create that luscious, creamy sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar infuses every bite with cheesy goodness—don’t forget to save some for the top!
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this gives the filling a savory, umami boost.
• Frozen Tater Tots: The star topping—crispy, golden, and completely irresistible.
• Chopped Parsley (Optional): For a fresh pop of color and a little herbal finish.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking together for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft and fragrant. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off—this keeps your casserole from getting greasy.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Next, toss in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for another minute so the garlic gets fragrant and those seasonings have a chance to meld with the beef. This step builds the flavor foundation for the whole Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Now comes the magic: stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a creamy, cheesy beef mixture. It should be thick, rich, and tempting to sneak a taste!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer your beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Then it’s time for the fun part: arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Make it as neat or rustic as you like—either way, those tots will bake up beautifully crispy.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and tater tots that are golden and crunchy. In the last five minutes, sprinkle over some extra cheddar cheese if you want that extra melty finish. Once it’s out of the oven, a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a lovely fresh touch.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, scatter some fresh chopped parsley over the top. It’s an easy way to add color and a hint of freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of sour cream or even a sprinkle of sliced green onions can make each portion pop.

Side Dishes

The richness of Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole pairs beautifully with something crisp and light. Try serving it with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted veggies. If you want to keep things classic, buttery corn or a tangy coleslaw are also perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for personal-sized servings. Or, serve it family-style straight from the baking dish at the center of the table—just let everyone dig in! If you’re hosting a brunch, cut it into squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks for a hearty appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for a tasty lunch the next day.

Freezing

If you want to make the casserole ahead, assemble it up to the point of baking, then wrap it well and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen—just add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time. You can also freeze baked leftovers in individual portions for an easy meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works well—just be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts, so the tater tots don’t get soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground “meat” all work beautifully in Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole. Just keep an eye on seasoning, as leaner meats may need a little extra salt or spice.

What vegetables can I add to the casserole?

Frozen peas, corn, or green beans are all fantastic additions. Stir them into the beef mixture before topping with tater tots for a little extra color and veggie goodness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just be sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that your tater tots are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten.

Can I prep Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole in advance?

Yes—you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting straight from the fridge.

What’s the best way to get crispy tater tots on top?

The key is to bake the casserole uncovered, so the tater tots can crisp up nicely. For maximum crunch, make sure they’re in a single layer and don’t crowd the pan.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to win over a crowd or simply treat yourself to a plateful of pure comfort, Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is the answer. Try it once and you’ll understand why it’s a go-to favorite in so many kitchens. Gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and dig in—you’ll be making this casserole on repeat!

Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Featuring a savory mixture of ground beef, onion, garlic, creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, topped with crispy golden tater tots, it delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauces

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Others

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s fully heated by the time your casserole is assembled.
2. Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Mix Creamy Ingredients: Add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
6. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Add Additional Cheese: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired for an extra cheesy crust.
8. Garnish and Serve: After baking, optionally garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving.

Notes

• Feel free to add frozen peas, corn, or green beans to the beef mixture for added vegetables and nutrition.
• Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of cheddar or cream of chicken soup to vary the flavor profile of the casserole.
• Use gluten-free cream soup and tater tots to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 85mg