Go Back
Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for a Cozy Family Dinner

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

A cozy ground beef casserole layered with creamy mushroom sauce, sharp cheddar, optional green beans, and frozen tater tots baked until bubbling and golden. This comforting dinner serves 6–8 people.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Filling
  • 1 pound Ground beef
  • 1 small Small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce
  • 1 10.5-ounce can Condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Seasoning and Topping
  • 1 28–32-ounce bag Frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Optional Addition
  • 1 14–15-ounce can Cut green beans, drained

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  2. Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat for about 7–9 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it becomes fragrant without browning.
  4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar. Fold in the drained green beans if using.
  5. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots tightly in a single layer over the filling. Do not thaw the tots first.
  7. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the tater tots are crisp and golden.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the tots and bake for 5–10 minutes more, until the cheese melts. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep the tater tots frozen and arrange them tightly in one layer for the best crispness. For variations, use condensed cheddar cheese soup, frozen mixed vegetables, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, or 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Ground turkey may replace the beef, although the casserole will be slightly less rich.