Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a savory, satisfying bake with a creamy meat and veggie base, topped with crispy, golden tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this hearty dish is simple to make and loved by all ages. It’s a one-dish wonder that delivers warmth, flavor, and crunch in every bite.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

ground beef or ground turkey
frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
shredded cheddar cheese
frozen tater tots
onion (chopped)
garlic (minced)
salt
black pepper
olive oil or butter (for cooking)

directions

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

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil or butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft.

Add ground beef and garlic, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in the mixed vegetables and cream of mushroom soup. Mix until well combined and heated through.

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat and veggie layer.

Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer, covering the surface completely.

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

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes

Variations

Use ground sausage or plant-based meat for different flavors.
Substitute cream of mushroom with cream of celery or homemade sauce.
Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Top with jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Make it breakfast-style with scrambled eggs and bacon.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings.
Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat frozen portions in the oven until heated through and tots are crispy again.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely—just sauté them slightly before adding to the mixture.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soup and check all ingredients to ensure.

Can I skip the cheese?
Yes, but it adds creaminess and flavor.

Do I need to cook the tater tots first?
No, they bake and crisp up in the oven.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and increase bake time as needed.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy?
Bake uncovered and avoid crowding the dish.

What’s the best meat to use?
Ground beef is classic, but turkey or sausage work great too.

Can I add beans?
Yes, black beans or kidney beans can make it even heartier.

Can I use homemade soup?
Definitely—use a thick, creamy base of your choice.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. With its creamy filling and crispy topping, it’s a comforting classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed hit that keeps everyone coming back for more.

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