Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This cozy and cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a weeknight dinner winner. Layers of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and crispy golden tater tots create the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish you pull together when you need something hearty, family-friendly, and delightfully fuss-free.

What makes this casserole irresistible isn’t just the textures—from creamy to crispy—but also its flexibility. You can tweak it with your favorite vegetables, make it ahead, or even freeze it for later. It’s a classic Midwest staple that never goes out of style, whether you’re serving it for a potluck, a game day gathering, or a simple dinner at home.

---

Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Tater Tots?

You can, but it’ll change both texture and cooking time. Tater tots are pre-cooked and designed to get that signature crispy edge when baked, which makes them ideal for this casserole. Fresh potatoes would need to be par-cooked or thinly sliced and may not deliver the same crunchy finish on top. If you’re after that nostalgic, golden crunch—stick with the tots!

---

Ingredients for the Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper, to taste

---

How To Make the Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced yellow onion, cooking until the meat is browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Stir in garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Mix until the beef is evenly coated and everything is well combined.

Step 3: Layer in the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the creamy beef mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. This melts into the meat as it bakes, creating a delicious cheesy layer.

Step 5: Top with Tater Tots

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. You can go neat rows or scatter them freely—either way works!

Step 6: Bake and Finish with More Cheese

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. About 5 minutes before it’s done, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and return it to the oven until melted.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like a pop of green. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory layers!

---

How to Serve and Store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

This casserole is best served hot right out of the oven while the tater tots are still perfectly crispy. It pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even just a side of ketchup for dipping! If you’re feeding a crowd, serve it buffet-style straight from the baking dish for a laid-back, comforting vibe.

Got leftovers? Let the casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Just note that reheated tots may not be as crispy as fresh out of the oven—but still delicious.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What other meat can I use besides ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work great in this recipe. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before layering into the casserole.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Peas, green beans, corn, or mixed vegetables blend right into the creamy beef layer. Use frozen or canned (drained) and stir them in during Step 2.

Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a certified gluten-free version or make your own with cornstarch and broth.

How can I make it spicy?

Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture or toss in some diced green chiles. Pepper Jack cheese is another great way to sneak in heat.

Can I prep it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake as usual when you’re ready to eat.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a bit of Velveeta for extra creaminess.

---

Want More Comfort Food Casserole Ideas?

If this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef hit the spot, you’re going to love these other cozy, satisfying meals from Life with Nina:

• Try the ultra-creamy Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for a cheesy beefy twist.
• Warm up with a bowl of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce.
• For a seafood spin, check out the Crab Casserole packed with creamy layers.
• Give Funeral Potatoes a try when you’re craving cheesy, potato-filled comfort.
• Or whip up Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage for a slow-cooked, hearty one-pot meal.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when you need comfort food in a pinch.

And let me know in the comments how you made it your own! Did you sneak in veggies? Try a spicy version with jalapeños? Maybe used turkey instead of beef?

I love hearing your tweaks and spins. Don’t forget to tag your remakes on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes to explore even more delicious creations.

---

Print