Craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish? Tater Tot Casserole is a Cheesy Comfort Casserole that combines savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots in a hearty tater tot bake. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this creamy beef casserole is easy to make and ready in under an hour. Let’s whip up this Tater Tot Casserole and enjoy its warm, indulgent flavors!
Why You’ll Love Tater Tot Casserole
- Simple to Make: Everyday ingredients with easy steps for quick prep.
- Comforting Flavors: Gooey cheese and creamy sauce make every bite irresistible.
- Crispy Texture: Golden tater tots add the perfect crunch.
- Customizable: Add veggies or spices to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: A hit for all ages, ideal for gatherings.
Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need for this cheesy tater tot casserole (serves 6):
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 can (10.5 oz, 298g) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 lb (450g) frozen tater tots
- ½ cup (75g) diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Beef: Use lean ground beef to reduce grease or drain well after cooking.
- Soup: Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken for a flavor twist in this creamy beef casserole.
- Cheese: Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a milder or spicier cheesy tater tot casserole.
- Tater Tots: Keep frozen until baking for maximum crispiness.
- Seasonings: Add Worcestershire sauce or chili powder for extra depth.
Directions for Tater Tot Casserole
Let’s make this Tater Tot Casserole—a warm, comforting dish!
Preheat Oven
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook 1 lb ground beef with ½ cup diced onion, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5–7 minutes. I season with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp paprika (if using). I drain excess fat to keep this hearty tater tot bake from becoming greasy.
Prepare Cream Sauce
In a medium bowl, I mix 1 can cream of mushroom soup and ½ cup sour cream until smooth. I stir this into the cooked beef and onion mixture for a creamy base.
Assemble Casserole
I spread the beef mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. I sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then arrange 1 lb frozen tater tots in a single layer, avoiding overlap for crispiness.
Bake and Add Cheese
I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the tater tots are golden. I remove the casserole, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar on top, and bake for 5 more minutes until melted and bubbly. For extra browning, I broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Serve
I let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set, then serve warm, scooping generous portions for this cheesy tater tot casserole.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: ~45–50 minutes
- Servings: 6 (about 1 cup per serving)
- Calories: ~450–500 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 20g protein, 30g fat, 3g fiber
Variations for Tater Tot Casserole
Try these twists for your creamy beef casserole:
- Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or plant-based meat, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Cauliflower Rice Spinach Artichoke Casserole.
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Cheese Blend: Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier cheesy tater tot casserole.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in ½ cup sautéed peas, corn, or mushrooms, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Beet Salad with Arugula.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free soup, sour cream, and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free hearty tater tot bake.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a light pairing.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a sweet finish.
Storage
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, I cool the casserole, wrap in foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, uncovered for the last 5 minutes to crisp the tater tots, or microwave for 2–3 minutes.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve in the baking dish or portion into bowls for a cozy vibe.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions for color.
- Pairing: Enjoy with a green salad or LaylaCooks’ Coconut Cooler for balance.
- Portion Size: 1 cup per person for a hearty main dish.
- Occasions: Ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings.
FAQs About Tater Tot Casserole
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble this Tater Tot Casserole up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake, adding 5–10 minutes if cold.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free soup, sour cream, and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free creamy beef casserole.
How do I make it spicier?
Add cayenne, chili powder, or pepper jack cheese to this cheesy tater tot casserole for a spicy kick.
More Dinner Recipes
- Classic Moussaka: A Hearty, Soul-Warming Treat
- Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer
- Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Conclusion
Tater Tot Casserole is a warm, indulgent dish that brings comfort to any table with its crispy tater tots and cheesy layers. This hearty tater tot bake is easy to make, versatile, and perfect for busy nights or gatherings. Whip up this creamy beef casserole and savor its cozy, delicious warmth!
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 can 10.5 oz, 298g cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup 120g sour cream
- 2 cups 200g shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 lb 450g frozen tater tots
- ½ cup 75g diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder optional
- ½ tsp paprika optional
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook Beef and Onion
- In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook 1 lb ground beef with ½ cup diced onion, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5–7 minutes. I season with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp paprika (if using). I drain excess fat to keep this hearty tater tot bake from becoming greasy.
Prepare Cream Sauce
- In a medium bowl, I mix 1 can cream of mushroom soup and ½ cup sour cream until smooth. I stir this into the cooked beef and onion mixture for a creamy base.
Assemble Casserole
- I spread the beef mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. I sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then arrange 1 lb frozen tater tots in a single layer, avoiding overlap for crispiness.
Bake and Add Cheese
- I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the tater tots are golden. I remove the casserole, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar on top, and bake for 5 more minutes until melted and bubbly. For extra browning, I broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Serve
- I let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set, then serve warm, scooping generous portions for this cheesy tater tot casserole.
Notes
- Optional garnishes: Add chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh touch.
- For extra flavor: Consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture or sprinkling with bacon bits after baking.
- Make it a full meal: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.
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