Crispy, cheesy, family-friendly comfort in every bite
This simple and satisfying tater tot casserole delivers everything you want in a cozy weeknight dinner — seasoned ground beef, a creamy mushroom sauce, melty cheddar, and a golden blanket of crispy tater tots. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping an easy make-ahead meal, or craving classic comfort food, this casserole bakes into a warm, bubbly dish you’ll want to make again and again. 🥘✨
PrintTater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
A cozy tater tot casserole layered with savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy golden tater tots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 small onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)
Salt and pepper
Optional seasonings: garlic powder or paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease casserole dish.
2. Brown ground beef with onions; drain excess fat.
3. Season and stir in mushroom soup and sour cream.
4. Spread beef mixture in dish and top with 1 cup cheddar.
5. Arrange tater tots in a single layer.
6. Bake 25–30 minutes until crisp and golden.
7. Top with remaining cheese; bake 5 minutes.
8. Cool briefly and serve warm.
Notes
Garnish with green onions or parsley.
Add Worcestershire for richer flavor.
Serve with a salad or veggies to complete the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
- Cholesterol: 70
Preparation Time
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ 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, or favorite spices
Required Utensils
This recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment — just a few basic utensils for easy, stress-free cooking.
Large skillet
Casserole dish
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Mixing bowl
Preparation Steps (Beginner-Friendly)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Drain excess fat for a cleaner texture.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes until everything is warm and creamy.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer. They don’t need to thaw. 😌
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the tots turn golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle on the remaining 1 cup of cheddar, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melty and bubbly. 🧀
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the warm, cheesy layers!
Chef’s Tips
Garnish with green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the beef flavor.
Serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete dinner.
Bake until the tater tots are fully crisp for the best texture.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 portion
Calories: Approx. 420 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbs: 32 g
Fat: 24 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 3 g