Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, layering seasoned beef, a creamy mushroom sauce, and melty cheddar cheese under a golden, crispy tater tot topping. This simple, family-favorite recipe delivers a savory and satisfying hot dish perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s a classic for a reason; easy to make, wonderfully cheesy, and loved by everyone at the table.
Table of Contents
What is Tater Tot Casserole?
Tater tot casserole is a simple baked dish built with seasoned ground meat, veggies, a creamy binder, melty cheese, and a blanket of crispy tater tots on top. In the Midwest, folks lovingly call it hotdish, and every family has its favorite twist. Some use corn, others peas, some swap the soup, and a few sneak in spice for heat.
I make a classic, balanced version with ground beef, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar. The magic comes from layering, so the tots stay crisp while the center stays saucy and savory. It’s comfort food at its friendliest, perfect for beginners and busy cooks who still want real-deal flavor. If you’re new to hotdish-style casseroles, this crack chicken casserole recipe sets the bar high for delightful variations.
Why This Recipe Works
- Sautéed aromatics build flavor: I brown onions and garlic with the beef for a deeper, cozier base than plain meat alone.
- A tiny secret for richness: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth, like a shortcut to long-simmered flavor.
- Smart layering for texture: Beef on the bottom, then soup, veggies, cheese, and tots on top, so the tater tots bake up golden and crunchy.
The BEST Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Lightly grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onions to the skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for an additional minute.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer ground beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with cream of mushroom soup, followed by green beans, followed by the cheddar cheese. Make sure to season the green bean layer.
- Finally, top with tater tots.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
This estimate is for 6 portions using lean beef, cheddar, cream of mushroom soup, and green beans. Values vary by brands and swaps.
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 pan | 430 | 25 g | 20 g | 26 g | 3 g | 820 mg |
Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Lean ground beef, 1 lb: Lean meat reduces greasiness and keeps the casserole saucy, not oily. Try ground turkey or chicken for lighter.
- Onion, 1/2 diced: Sweetens as it cooks. Use shallot if you prefer mild flavor.
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Adds warmth. Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
- Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp: The umami “secret.” Soy sauce works if needed.
- Green beans, 15 oz can, drained: Classic hotdish veggie. Swap with frozen peas, corn, or a mixed vegetable blend.
- Cream of mushroom soup, 10.75 oz condensed: Binds everything. Use cream of chicken or celery for a different vibe.
- Cheddar cheese, 2 cups shredded: I shred my own for better melt. Use Colby Jack or pepper jack to switch it up.
- Frozen tater tots, 2 cups: The crispy crown. Use extra-crispy tots for maximum crunch.
- Salt and pepper: Season as you go for a balanced, bright taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Tater Tot Casserole
Here’s how I make tater tot casserole, step by step, so you get a bubbly center and a crispy top.
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Lightly grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onions to the skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for an additional minute.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer ground beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with cream of mushroom soup, followed by green beans, followed by the cheddar cheese. Make sure to season the green bean layer.
- Finally, top with tater tots.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole
- Go extra crispy: Use a single, even layer of tater tots with small gaps so hot air circulates. Learn how to keep textures right by trying these delicious ground beef Philly cheesesteaks.
- Drain the beef well: Excess grease makes the casserole soggy, so drain before layering.
- Shred your own cheese: Bagged shreds contain starch that can block melt and browning.
- Season each layer: Salt the beef and green beans lightly so every bite tastes bright and balanced.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Protein swaps
- Ground turkey or chicken: Lighter but still juicy. Add a little olive oil if very lean.
- Ground pork or sausage: Rich, savory hotdish-style flavor. Reduce added salt.
- Meatless: Use plant-based crumbles or a hearty mushroom blend.
Veggie add-ins
- Peas, corn, or mixed veggies: Stir into the soup layer for color and sweetness.
- Mushrooms or bell peppers: Sauté with the onions for extra depth.
- Spinach or kale: Stir into the beef just until wilted.
Cheese choices
- Colby Jack or Monterey Jack: Ultra melty and mild.
- Pepper jack: Adds gentle heat without overpowering the casserole.
- Smoked cheddar: Deep, cozy finish in your tater tot casserole.
Make it spicy
- Add diced green chiles or a pinch of chili flakes to the beef.
- Serve with hot sauce or chipotle crema on the side.
For those looking for alternative versions, the Tater Tot Casserole by Utah State Magazine offers another delicious variation.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing Cooked Leftovers
- Cool the casserole to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- Keep the tater tot topping on top when storing to preserve as much crispness as possible.
Reheating from the Fridge
- Oven method: Reheat at 350°F, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes until hot. Broil 1 to 2 minutes at the end to re-crisp the tots.
- Microwave method: Heat individual portions in 45 to 60 second bursts, then finish in a hot skillet or air fryer for crisp tops.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze baked and cooled portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven, covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered 10 to 15 minutes to crisp the tater tots. Individual pieces reheat fastest.
What to Serve with Tater Tot Casserole
- Simple green salad: The freshness cuts through the rich, cheesy casserole and adds crunch.
- Roasted or steamed broccoli or green beans: Keep the veggie theme going with an easy side.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for scooping up the creamy layers in your tater tot casserole.
- Sliced tomatoes or cucumber salad: Cool, clean flavors balance the savory casserole beautifully.
Healthier Tater Tot Casserole Swaps
- Choose lean protein: Use 93 percent lean ground turkey or chicken. Season well and add a teaspoon of olive oil if it seems dry.
- Add more vegetables: Double the green beans or fold in mushrooms, carrots, or cauliflower rice to add volume and fiber without heavy calories.
- Make a lighter “cream of” sauce: Whisk 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth with 1 cup milk and 2 tablespoons flour. Simmer until thick, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This replaces the condensed soup and gives you control over sodium.
- Use reduced-fat cheese: A sharp reduced-fat cheddar brings bold flavor with less. Shred it fresh so it melts smoothly.
- Try extra-crispy or baked-style tots: They often crisp faster and absorb less grease, keeping the tater tot casserole light but still satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the tots crispy on my tater tot casserole?
Bake uncovered, keep tots in a single layer with small gaps, and broil briefly at the end if needed.
Can I assemble it ahead?
Yes, layer the beef, soup, and veggies, then refrigerate. Add cheese and tater tots just before baking.
What if my casserole seems greasy?
Use lean ground beef and drain thoroughly. Blot the beef with a paper towel before layering.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13 pan, extend bake time a few minutes, and watch for golden tots and bubbling edges.
Conclusion
I hope this tater tot casserole becomes a new family tradition at your table the way it is at mine. If you make it, leave a comment, ask a question, or share a photo so we can cheer you on. Your tweaks inspire the community here at The Meal Craft, and I love hearing what you try next. Ready to bake? Grab the tots, and let’s get dinner in the oven tonight.
