Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes. It’s a hearty, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

ground beef
frozen tater tots
Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
cream of mushroom soup
shredded cheddar cheese
onion (optional)
garlic powder
salt
black pepper
cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion (if using) until browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.

Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, until melted and bubbly.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 55-65 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add a layer of sautéed bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cheddar soup.
Top with sliced green onions or jalapeños for a fresh kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

What is Rotel?
Rotel is a brand of diced tomatoes with green chilies, adding a spicy, tangy flavor.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots?
No, use them straight from the freezer for best results.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace the beef with plant-based crumbles and use a vegetarian soup.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the Rotel, but you can choose a mild version or add more spice as desired.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel?
You can, but the flavor will be milder. Add some chopped green chilies for a closer match.

Conclusion

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and bold flavor to your dinner table. It’s satisfying, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your comfort food lineup.