Patrick Simon January 7, 2026

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Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Name: Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots; Salt and pepper, to taste

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A warm, bubbly casserole slides from the oven, the tops of the tater tots cracking to reveal pillowy interiors, while the cheese underneath stretches in golden ribbons. Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the kind of homey, comforting dish that turns busy weeknights into cozy family dinners, or makes a potluck contribution that disappears fast. If you love hearty, easy bakes with crisp potato edges and a creamy, savory base, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your repertoire, and if you enjoy similar comfort classics, take a look at this cheesy ground beef potato casserole for more inspiration.

Why This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Works

This casserole hits the sweet spot between texture and flavor, combining crisp tater tot tops, a creamy mushroom sauce, hearty seasoned beef, and melty cheddar. Each component plays a clear role, the tots providing crunch and potato comfort, the beef anchoring the dish with savory depth, and the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream creating a silky, cohesive filling. The result is a satisfying contrast of textures, and a flavor profile that’s familiar but deeply comforting.

Reasons to love it
• Minimal hands-on time, mostly assembly and baking
• Uses pantry staples and a single skillet for easy cleanup
• Crowd-pleasing, kid-friendly flavors that still feel indulgent

With straightforward steps and flexible seasonings, this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef works for weeknights, casual entertaining, or a warming dish any time you want something reliably comforting.

What You’ll Need

Start by thinking about roles and small swaps, the ground beef brings savory richness, the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream make the filling creamy and smooth, and cheddar adds a sharp, melty finish. If your original recipe mentions bacon, swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch, and if it calls for pork, choose a lean ground protein like ground chicken or ground turkey depending on the flavor you want.

Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can, 10.5 oz, cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 bag, 32 oz, frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional seasonings
• garlic powder
• paprika
• any favorite spices

Notes: If you want a twist, swap half the cheddar for Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier melt. Use 90 percent lean ground beef to reduce excess fat, or choose 85 percent lean if you prefer a juicier filling.

How to Cook Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Preheat oven, Preheat your oven to 375°F, 190°C. Make sure the rack is in the center so the tots crisp evenly and the cheese browns gently.
Cook the ground beef, In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, stirring to break it into small pieces. Add the diced onion and cook until the onion turns translucent and soft, you should smell the meat and onion developing a toasted, savory aroma. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika, then drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Combine with cream sauce, Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing thoroughly with the beef so every bite will be creamy. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is warmed through and glossy, taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Layer in the casserole dish, Grease a 9 by 13 inch casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom, smoothing the surface with a spatula so the tater tots will sit level.
Add cheese layer, Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture so the cheese melts into the filling and forms a gooey base for the tots.
Add tater tots, Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, spacing them tightly side by side so they create a crispy, golden crust as they bake. The contrast between the crunchy tops and soft interiors makes each bite texturally interesting.
Bake, Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy on top, you should see bubbling around the edges and smell the cheese and potatoes warming through.
Add final cheese layer, Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, scatter it evenly so it melts into glossy ribbons. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a few lightly browned spots.
Serve, Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving so it firms slightly and slices cleanly, the top will crackle as you cut into it and the filling will steam gently.

Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~35 minutes, Total ~50 minutes, Servings ~6, Kcal ~615 per serving.

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can save time by handling several steps ahead of serving. Brown the ground beef with the onions up to 2 days in advance, cool it quickly, and refrigerate in a sealed container. Combine the beef with the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream before storing, so reassembly is just layering when you are ready to bake. You can also assemble the entire casserole in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake from chilled, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

If you want to prep longer term, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish without the final cheese layer, wrap tightly with plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen at 375°F, 190°C, covered for 45 minutes, then uncover, add the final cheese, and bake until the tots are golden, adding more time as needed.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly, store for up to 3 to 4 days. For freezing, portion into single servings or freeze the whole dish in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture, otherwise you can bake from frozen but plan extra time.

To reheat gently, warm individual portions in the oven at 350°F, 175°C, until heated through, this keeps the top crisp and the filling creamy. You can also reheat slices in a skillet over medium low heat, covered, to warm through without over-browning. A microwave is fine for a quick meal, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, then crisp the top in a hot oven or toaster oven for a minute or two if you like a crunchy finish. Freshness cue, when the casserole smells bright and savory with no off notes, and the cheese still looks creamy and shiny, it is still good to enjoy.

Perfect Pairings

• Simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a fresh, crunchy contrast
• Quick pickled red onions for a bright, acidic bite
• Creamy coleslaw for a cool, tangy side
• Warm dinner rolls to sop up any saucy edges

Make It Your Own

• Add vegetables, Stir in a cup of frozen peas and carrots with the beef for color and added nutrients, they soften in the short bake without getting mushy.
• Swap cheeses, Use a combination of cheddar and pepper jack for a little heat, or try smoked cheddar for a deeper, savory flavor.
• Turkey bacon topping, Crisp strips of turkey bacon and crumble them on top before the final cheese layer for a smoky, lighter crunch, this keeps the profile closer to classic versions without pork.
• Lighter version, Use lean ground turkey or ground chicken, and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, the dish stays creamy with reduced calories.
• Spicy twist, Stir in chopped pickled jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder to the beef mixture for a gentle kick.
• Vegetarian option, Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant based ground beef substitute, adjust seasonings and proceed the same way.
• Campfire style, For a rustic change, layer in sliced potatoes instead of tots and top with extra cheese, this echoes other hearty bakes, and for a related one pot idea see this hobo casserole with ground beef.
• Cream of chicken swap, If you prefer a different soup flavor, use cream of chicken instead of cream of mushroom, it gives a slightly sweeter, milder profile.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use moderate oven placement so the tater tots crisp without the cheese burning on top.
• Spread the tots tightly so you get a continuous golden crust, gaps cause uneven browning.
• Drain excess fat after cooking the beef to prevent a soggy filling, a few tablespoons can change texture.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for cleaner slices and to avoid scalding steam.
• If you like extra crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely so it does not burn.
• Check internal temperature if you are unsure, the center should reach 165°F, 74°C for hot, safely reheated food.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this casserole ahead and freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole for up to 3 months if you wrap it tightly with plastic and foil, or place it in a freezer safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen adding time and keeping it covered until mostly heated through.

• What kind of ground beef is best for this recipe?
Choose 85 to 90 percent lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and manageable fat. If you prefer a leaner dish, use 93 percent lean, but you may lose a bit of juiciness and may want to add a splash of beef broth to keep the filling moist.

• Can I substitute fresh mushrooms for the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cook 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions until they release their moisture and brown, then stir in a can of condensed cream of chicken or make a quick white sauce with broth and flour, finish with sour cream for the creamy texture. The canned soup gives reliable thickness, but fresh mushrooms add great flavor.

• How do I keep the tater tots from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef mixture, spread the filling so it is not wet, and arrange the tots in a single tight layer. Placing the dish on the center rack helps even heat circulation so the tops crisp while the interior cooks.

• Can I use shredded potatoes instead of tater tots?
You can, but texture will change, shredded potatoes will become more cohesive and brownie like rather than tasting like individual crispy tots. If you use shredded potatoes, press them lightly into a single layer and increase the bake time slightly to allow them to crisp.

• Is this recipe freezer friendly as individual portions?
Yes, portion the cooled casserole into single serving containers and freeze, they reheat nicely in the oven or microwave. Individual servings make weekday lunches and dinners simple and reduce waste.

• What should I serve for a crowd?
This recipe scales well. Double the ingredients and use two casserole dishes, or bake in a larger sheet pan, and keep finished casseroles warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a dependable comfort food that manages to be both simple and satisfying, delivering crisp potato tops, creamy, savory filling, and a cheesy finish that everyone loves. It is forgiving, easy to customize, and perfect for feeding a family after a long day, or bringing to a communal meal. Give it a try on a chilly evening, and enjoy how quickly it becomes one of those recipes you reach for time and again.

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

A warm, comforting dish featuring crispy tater tots on top of a creamy ground beef mixture, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 small onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
Drain excess fat, then stir in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until well combined and warmed through.
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until tater tots are golden and crispy.
Remove from oven and add remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, then bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.