Name: Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

There’s something deeply comforting about a casserole bubbling away in the oven, especially one loaded with ground beef, creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and a crown of crispy tater tots. Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the kind of dinner that never goes out of style. It’s kid-friendly, budget-conscious, and hearty enough to keep the whole family satisfied.

What sets this dish apart is its nostalgic, no-fuss charm. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you simply need a taste of home. With minimal prep and simple pantry staples, you get a satisfying and cozy dinner that makes great leftovers too.

Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole

This dish hits all the comfort food marks: creamy, cheesy, crispy, and savory. It’s also flexible. You can add veggies like corn or green beans, swap cheeses, or even use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef. Plus, it assembles in one pan—less mess and more flavor.

What Kind of Tater Tots Should I Use?

You can use any kind of frozen tater tots you like—classic, mini, or even seasoned varieties for extra flavor. The important part is not to thaw them before baking. Keeping them frozen helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven and hold their structure over the casserole’s creamy layers.

Ingredients for the Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

This casserole is built with staple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each component brings a layer of flavor and texture that makes this dish such a standout.

Ground Beef: The hearty, flavorful base that anchors the casserole.
Onion: Adds a savory depth and slight sweetness.
Garlic Powder: A pantry favorite that brings that essential garlicky note.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning the beef ensures every bite is flavorful.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds a creamy, rich texture and ties everything together.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess that enhances the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey goodness and gives that irresistible cheesy layer.
Frozen Tater Tots: The star of the show! They get golden and crispy on top while staying fluffy inside.

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef (1)

How To Make the Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Add the cooked beef and onions, and mix until everything is combined.

Step 3: Layer It Up

Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer across the surface.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve and Store Tater Tot Casserole

This recipe serves about 6 hungry people, making it a great option for family dinners. Once baked, let it sit for 5-10 minutes so the layers can settle. This makes it easier to serve and helps preserve the crispy top.

To store leftovers, cover the casserole dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot all the way through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months, though the tater tots may lose some of their crispness when reheated.

What to Serve With Tater Tot Casserole?

Garlic Green Beans

The freshness and crunch of green beans balance the richness of the casserole perfectly.

Classic Coleslaw

The cool, tangy bite of coleslaw cuts through the savory beef and cheese.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Fluffy rolls are ideal for soaking up every creamy bite.

Simple Side Salad

A crisp salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Carrots

Naturally sweet roasted carrots complement the savory base of the casserole.

Macaroni Salad

Great for potlucks, this cold, creamy side dish works well with warm casseroles.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or steamed corn on the cob adds color and a touch of sweetness.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If hearty casseroles are your thing, you might love diving into these equally satisfying creations:

Try this cheesy and flavor-packed Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini.
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Cajun Potato Soup, perfect for cozy nights.
Add some nostalgia to your table with Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad.
Don’t miss the crispy golden layers of Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken.
For a Tex-Mex twist, try the Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up or stick to the classic? Maybe you added some veggies or swapped in ground turkey?

I love hearing how others put their own spin on family favorites. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other make dinner better.

Explore even more easy, family-approved dinners on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a timeless comfort dish that brings smiles to the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making it ahead for the week, its cozy flavors and golden topping never disappoint. With simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s bound to become a go-to in your meal rotation.