If you're craving a warm, hearty meal that’s simple to make and full of comfort, look no further than Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. This classic casserole layers seasoned ground beef, creamy vegetables, and crispy tater tots, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate family-friendly dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is bound to become a go-to in your home. Let’s dive into how to make this savory and delicious casserole!
What is Tater Tot Casserole?
Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish made with layers of ground beef, vegetables, a creamy sauce, and a topping of crispy tater tots. The tater tots bake up golden and crunchy, while the creamy ground beef and vegetables stay tender and flavorful underneath. It’s a perfect combination of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a potluck, this dish is always a hit!
Ingredients List for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Here’s everything you need to make this comforting casserole:
For the Casserole:
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) of ground beef. You can use lean ground beef (90/10) or regular ground beef (80/20) depending on your preference.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced. Yellow or white onions are best for their mild flavor.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic adds depth to the dish.
- Cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 oz/300g) of condensed cream of mushroom soup. This forms the creamy base of the casserole.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: 1 ½ to 2 cups. You can use a mix of peas, carrots, corn, and green beans, or your favorite combination of veggies.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups (150g). Sharp cheddar works great for a bold cheesy flavor, but any melty cheese will do.
- Milk: ½ cup (120ml) to thin out the cream soup and make the sauce creamier.
- Tater tots: 1 package (about 32 oz/900g). You’ll need enough to cover the top of your casserole dish in a single layer.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon for an extra savory kick.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the beef and vegetables.
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon for added color and a slight hint of warmth.
Optional Ingredients:
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch if you like a bit of heat.
- Green bell pepper: 1 diced bell pepper for extra color and flavor.
- Sour cream: ½ cup stirred into the filling for an even creamier texture.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Ground Meat Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter version. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Choices: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Cream Soup Substitutes: Instead of cream of mushroom, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Or, make a homemade cream sauce using heavy cream and flour if you prefer to avoid canned soups.
- Extra Veggies: Bulk up the casserole by adding more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach. You can sauté them with the ground beef for extra flavor.
- Toppings: For added crunch, sprinkle crushed potato chips or fried onions on top of the tater tots before baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare this easy and delicious Tater Tot Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the beef as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
- Stir the cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and paprika into the beef mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- If using frozen vegetables, add them to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you're adding sour cream for extra creaminess, stir it into the beef mixture at this point.
- 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, covering the entire casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy on top and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots. Continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color, if desired.
How to Cook Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease your baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef, then add onions and garlic.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Mix in frozen vegetables and pour the mixture into the baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese and a layer of tater tots.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, adding extra cheese in the last 10 minutes.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Tater Tot Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Not Draining the Beef: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain any excess fat. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Using Too Much Liquid: Be mindful of the amount of liquid you add. If the mixture is too runny, it can make the casserole soggy. The cream soup and milk provide enough moisture, so avoid adding too much extra liquid.
- Overcrowding the Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer. Overcrowding them can result in uneven cooking and soggy tots.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Tater Tot Casserole is baked to golden perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are some tips for presenting the dish:
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or even chives over the casserole to add a fresh pop of color.
- Serve with Sides: Pair the casserole with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A crunchy coleslaw also makes a great contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
- With a Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots make great side dishes that complement the flavors of the casserole.
- Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to help soak up the creamy sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Tater Tot Casserole
To elevate the presentation of this homestyle dish, consider these ideas:
- Skillet Style: If you have a large cast-iron skillet, you can prepare and bake the casserole directly in the skillet for a rustic, hearty presentation.
- Family-Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- Individual Servings: Plate the casserole in individual portions, garnished with fresh herbs for a polished look.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe Tips
Here are some extra tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly:
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, then cover it and store it in the fridge. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time when cooking from cold.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Crispy Tots: For extra-crispy tater tots, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
A: Absolutely. After assembling the casserole, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: Can I make this casserole without cream of mushroom soup?
A: Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Alternatively, you can make a homemade white sauce with heavy cream and flour for a less processed option.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food—simple to prepare, full of flavor, and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving a crowd at a family gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and a cheesy, creamy filling, every bite is pure comfort. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is comforting!
PrintTater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe
This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef recipe features seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s a quick, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights. Serve with a simple salad or your favorite side for a complete dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ground beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess fat. - Mix the casserole base:
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined. - Assemble the casserole:
Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. - Bake:
Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are crispy. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top, and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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