There’s something truly comforting about a hot, bubbly casserole fresh from the oven, and few casseroles are as iconic or crowd-pleasing as the Tater Tot Casserole. This classic American dish is beloved for its layers of rich flavors and satisfying textures. Ideal for warm, intimate evenings or lively family gatherings, this dish has a special way of uniting everyone at the table. Originally popular in the Midwest, Tater Tot Casserole is now enjoyed in homes across the country as a simple, hearty, and delicious meal. Made with basic ingredients that you probably already have on hand, it’s a reliable choice when you need a quick and wholesome dinner. Plus, who doesn’t love the crispy, golden topping of Tater Tots? It’s sure to be a favorite for both kids and grown-ups.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Easy to Make: With a handful of pantry staples, this dish comes together quickly.
Perfect for families: It’s packed with flavors that appeal to all ages.
Versatile: Perfect for dinner, but also great as leftovers the next day.
Comfort Food: Rich, cheesy, and filling—ideal for a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Ground beef – 1 lb
Onion – 1 cup, diced
Cream of mushroom soup – 1 can (10.5 oz)
Cream of chicken soup – 1 can (10.5 oz)
Milk – ½ cup
Frozen mixed vegetables – 2 cups
Shredded cheddar cheese – 2 cups
Frozen Tater Tots – 1 bag (32 oz)

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly, ensuring your casserole won’t stick.
Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onions. Stir often, breaking the meat into fine pieces until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are tender and clear. Remove any extra grease to prevent the casserole from turning too greasy.
Mix the Sauces and Milk
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir well until they’re smooth and fully blended. This mixture will be the creamy base that brings everything together.
Combine the Filling
Add the cooked beef and onions to the bowl with the soup mixture, followed by the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Layer the Casserole
Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, adding a gooey, melty component.
Top with Tater Tots
Arrange the Tater Tots on top of the cheese, placing them in a single layer. This helps them get crispy and golden as they bake, forming a perfect topping for the casserole.
Bake
Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the Tater Tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Scoop into hearty portions, and enjoy the satisfying blend of flavors and textures!

Helpful Tips:

Customize the Flavor: Enhance the ground beef with a touch of garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper for a richer taste.
Add Fresh Vegetables: If you prefer fresh vegetables over frozen, consider using finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or corn. Just cook them with the ground beef to ensure they’re tender.
For Added Texture: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking or garnish with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
Cheese Variety: Blend cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a distinctive taste.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Meat-based

Notes:

Vegetable Variety: Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient, but you can customize this dish with any veggies your family loves, like peas, carrots, or green beans.
Adjustable Size: For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish.
Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cream soups and cheese if needed for a dairy-free option.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 430
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely, you can make the casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When baking, simply extend the cook time by 10-15 minutes.

Can I use different soups?
Absolutely! If you’re out of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, feel free to substitute with any creamy soup variety you prefer. Cream of celery soup or cheddar cheese soup both make excellent choices.

How do I make it vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with a meat substitute or additional vegetables. A can of black beans or lentils can also add protein and texture.

Storage Instructions:

Storage Tip: Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freeze: This casserole freezes well! Just cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen by baking at 350°F until heated through.

Related Recipes:

Loved this hearty casserole? Check out these other warm and comforting recipes!

Cracked-Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole is a timeless, no-fuss recipe that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. With its layers of creamy, cheesy goodness topped with those iconic crispy Tater Tots, it’s a meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Easy to customize, loved by kids and adults, and sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites, this casserole is destined to become a family favorite.

Tater Tot Casserole

Author: Charlotte B.

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Ground beef – 1 lb
Onion – 1 cup, diced
Cream of mushroom soup – 1 can (10.5 oz)
Cream of chicken soup – 1 can (10.5 oz)
Milk – ½ cup
Frozen mixed vegetables – 2 cups
Shredded cheddar cheese – 2 cups
Frozen Tater Tots – 1 bag (32 oz)

Instructions

Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly, ensuring your casserole won’t stick.
Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onions. Stir frequently, breaking the meat into small crumbles until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease to keep your casserole from becoming too oily.
Mix the Sauces and Milk
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir well until they’re smooth and fully blended. This mixture will be the creamy base that brings everything together.
Combine the Filling
Add the cooked beef and onions to the bowl with the soup mixture, followed by the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Layer the Casserole
Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, adding a gooey, melty component.
Top with Tater Tots
Arrange the Tater Tots on top of the cheese, placing them in a single layer. This helps them get crispy and golden as they bake, forming a perfect topping for the casserole.
Bake
Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the Tater Tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Scoop into hearty portions, and enjoy the satisfying blend of flavors and textures!

Notes

Vegetable Variety: Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient, but you can customize this dish with any veggies your family loves, like peas, carrots, or green beans.
Adjustable Size: For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish.
Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cream soups and cheese if needed for a dairy-free option.