How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I’m super excited to share with you one of my absolute favorite recipes that’s perfect for quick family dinners—Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef! This dish is a crowd-pleaser, and I just can’t get enough of it. It’s hearty, flavorful, and best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a busy mom looking for weeknight dinner ideas or someone who loves easy pasta recipes, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your household. So, let’s dive in and see why this Tater Tot Casserole is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for quick family dinners that everyone will love
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients
• Ready in just 30 minutes
• A hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week
• Customizable with your favorite spices

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef:

• 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 any favorite spices

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious Tater Tot Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and cook until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
7. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to make your Tater Tot Casserole even better:

• For extra crispy tater tots, try baking them for a few minutes before adding the cheese on top.
• Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
• Use different types of cheese, like cheddar and mozzarella, for an extra creamy top layer.
• For a spicy kick, add a bit of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

How to Serve

This Tater Tot Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side salad or some garlic bread. If you’re looking for more easy pasta recipes, check out my How to Make the Best Spaghetti Casserole recipe for another quick family dinner idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole, then refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake. For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

If you’re looking for more ground beef casserole ideas, be sure to check out my How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef and How to Make the Best Ground Beef Potato Bake recipes. They’re both perfect for weeknight dinners and are sure to become family favorites!

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring ground beef, tater tots, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course main dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 32 oz frozen tater tots
• salt and pepper to taste
• optional seasonings garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown ground beef with diced onions and seasonings. Drain excess fat.
• Mix in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Layer beef mixture in a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
• Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
• Top with remaining cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Optional: Add garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor. Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.

Keyword ground beef