Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

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If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and wonderfully comforting, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole is a must-make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you get a bubbly, golden dish that satisfies both weeknight dinner needs and cozy weekend indulgence.

This recipe layers crispy tater tots over seasoned ground beef and creamy, cheesy filling that ties everything together. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hungry guests, this is the kind of meal that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

It’s hard to beat a meal that checks all the boxes: simple to prep, budget-friendly, and incredibly flavorful. The tater tots turn irresistibly crisp in the oven, while the beef filling stays rich and creamy underneath. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—add veggies, spice it up, or switch out the cheese to suit your taste.

Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots Straight From the Bag?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, using frozen tater tots helps keep the recipe easy and convenient. No need to thaw them beforehand; they bake up perfectly crisp in the oven as the casserole cooks.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole relies on pantry staples and freezer-friendly items, making it a go-to recipe when you need something quick and satisfying. Each ingredient brings comfort and richness to the dish.

• Ground beef
• Yellow onion
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cheddar cheese
• Frozen tater tots

The ground beef forms the hearty base, while the onion adds sweetness and aroma. Garlic powder enhances the savory profile, and the cream of mushroom soup ties it all together with a creamy finish. Cheddar cheese brings the gooey, melty factor, and the tater tots add crunch and comfort.

How To Make the Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Beef Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped yellow onion. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent.

Step 2: Mix in the Creamy Filling

Add the cream of mushroom soup to the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. This forms the creamy base that the tater tots will rest on.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then arrange the frozen tater tots evenly in a single layer.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly underneath.

Serving and Storing This Cheesy Casserole

This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people, depending on portion sizes, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Serve it straight out of the oven for maximum crunch and gooeyness.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick lunch.

What to Serve With Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole?

Garden Salad with Vinaigrette

A fresh, crisp salad helps balance out the richness of the casserole.

Steamed Green Beans

Their tender crunch complements the creamy beef filling nicely.

Pickled Beets or Carrots

For a touch of tangy contrast, pickled veggies add zing and freshness.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their deep caramelized flavor works so well with cheesy dishes.

Applesauce or Cranberry Sauce

A little sweet can go a long way in balancing savory flavors.

Buttery Cornbread

Adds a Southern flair and extra comfort.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Their earthy richness echoes the mushroom soup base.

Coleslaw

Creamy or vinegar-based, it adds crunch and brightness.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this comforting dish made your weeknight easier, you’ll love these other cozy recipes:

• Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
• Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
• Chicken and Dressing Casserole
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
• Cheesy Baked Ziti

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again whenever comfort food cravings strike.

Have you made this casserole before? Let me know how it turned out for you! Did you add your own twist with veggies or switch up the cheese?

I love seeing how these dishes evolve in different kitchens. Share your questions and tweaks in the comments below.

Explore beautifully curated family-style meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and uncover more recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole is comfort food at its best—easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight dinner or serve it at a casual gathering, it brings people together with every cheesy, crispy bite.

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