Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

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When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm and bubbling casserole fresh from the oven. Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef checks all the boxes: crispy on top, hearty in the middle, and packed with savory flavor that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. It’s the kind of dish that’s both nostalgic and practical, making weeknight dinners feel like a cozy Sunday supper.

This casserole is beloved for its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, you get a meal that satisfies both adults and kids alike. Ground beef provides a rich and meaty base, while the golden tater tots create that irresistible crunchy topping. Add a creamy, cheesy layer in between, and it becomes the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

It’s a family favorite that brings everyone to the table. The combination of textures—crispy tater tots, melty cheese, and creamy filling—is comforting without being too heavy. It also reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as enjoyable the next day. Plus, you can easily tweak it with veggies, seasonings, or extra cheese to suit your taste.

What Kind of Tater Tots Work Best?

You can’t go wrong with classic frozen tater tots. They’re easy to find and bake up beautifully. If you want a healthier twist, try sweet potato tots or cauliflower tots, but keep in mind that those may soften more quickly. For the crispiest result, don’t thaw them before baking—just place them on top straight from the freezer.

Ingredients for the Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

The ingredients are simple but each one plays an important role in creating that perfect bite. You’ll love how easily this comes together with pantry and freezer staples.

• Ground Beef
• Frozen Tater Tots
• Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Onion
• Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper

Ground Beef forms the hearty base and adds rich, savory flavor.

Frozen Tater Tots give the casserole its signature golden crunch.

Cream of Mushroom Soup adds creaminess and helps bind everything together.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese brings in that gooey, cheesy comfort.

Onion adds a sweet, aromatic depth when sautéed with the beef.

Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper season the dish perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.

How To Make the Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onion

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with cream of mushroom soup and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Arrange frozen tater tots evenly on top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tots.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Storing This Casserole Dish

This casserole serves about 6 people generously, making it ideal for families or a cozy gathering. Serve it straight from the oven with a side salad or some steamed vegetables to round out the meal.

For leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before storing. You can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

What to Serve With Tater Tot Casserole?

Simple Garden Salad

A crisp salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.

Steamed Green Beans

Bright and tender green beans are a fresh and healthy contrast to the creamy casserole.

Roasted Carrots

Sweet roasted carrots add color and a bit of natural sweetness to the plate.

Garlic Bread

For a truly indulgent dinner, serve with warm garlic bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness.

Apple Slaw

A tangy slaw with shredded apples and cabbage offers a refreshing crunch that complements the dish.

Pickled Beets

These add a slightly sour, vibrant note to the meal and work especially well with the richness of ground beef.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and crumbly, they’re perfect with casseroles and soups alike.

Cucumber Salad

Light and crisp, with vinegar and dill, it offers a cool counterpoint to hot baked dishes.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef, you’ll want to check out these other cozy favorites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it anytime.

And if you try this dish, let me know how it turned out! Did you add peas or swap the soup? Maybe you sprinkled on some crispy onions? I love seeing the creative spins people put on classic recipes.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and home-cooked favorites on Mia Recipes on Pinterest. You’ll find daily inspiration for weeknight dinners, cozy casseroles, and more.

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