Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Tater tot casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 32 ounces frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped scallions, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the beef, until the meat is browned and the onions are softened, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to medium and mix in the sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and half a cup of cheddar cheese. Stir well and heat through for a minute or two.
5. Step 5: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. If you have a large oven-safe skillet, you can prepare and bake the casserole directly in it.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on the casserole.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and additional salt and pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.
• Try substituting cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor.
• Top with a sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes for a subtle kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the tater tots crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tots soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To keep it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that the Worcestershire sauce contains no gluten. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 511 reviews

This comforting Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, cheesy dish featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, blending savory flavors with a crunchy topping that everyone will love.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 32 ounces frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped scallions (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third of the oven to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and the tater tots brown nicely.
2. Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and chopped onions. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about one minute until fragrant to enhance the flavor of the meat mixture.
4. Combine Creamy Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium and mix in the sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well and warm through for a couple of minutes to blend the ingredients.
5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly. If you have a large oven-safe skillet, you can skip the transfer and use it for baking.
6. Add Cheese and Tater Tots: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the beef mixture, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
7. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.

Notes

• For a lower-fat option, use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
• You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor.
• Make sure to evenly space the tater tots on top for the crispiest texture.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, assembled, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven.

Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe