Tater Tot Casserole is a cozy, classic comfort dish that’s hard to beat. It’s made with a hearty mix of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and topped with a crispy layer of golden tater tots. The combination of crunchy on top and soft, flavorful ingredients underneath makes it a family favorite dinner any night of the week.
I love making this casserole when I want something easy but satisfying. It’s one of those dishes where everything comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup for me – a win in my book! Plus, I find it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies like peas or corn right into the mix without anyone noticing.
My favorite way to serve this casserole is straight from the oven with a simple green salad on the side. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little extra cozy on your plate. I feel like every bite brings back memories of family dinners and casual get-togethers, making it a true crowd-pleaser every time.
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of the casserole, giving it richness and heartiness. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use plant-based crumbles to make it vegetarian.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: It adds creaminess and moisture. If you don’t have it, try cream of chicken or celery soup instead, or make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Peas, carrots, and corn bring color and texture. Feel free to use fresh veggies or other frozen ones like green beans or broccoli.
Tater Tots: They create the crispy topping everyone loves. You can swap for hashbrowns or diced potatoes if needed, but tater tots give a nice uniform crispy layer.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds flavor and melts beautifully. If you want, mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier melt.
How Do You Get Crispy, Golden Tater Tots on Top?
Getting the tater tots perfectly crispy is key to this dish. Here’s how I do it:
- Place the frozen tots in a single layer so they cook evenly and crisp up well.
- Don’t cover the casserole while baking; this lets the tots get brown and crunchy.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) long enough for the tots to cook through and brown—usually 30-40 mins.
- For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully so they don’t burn.
This method gives you a crunchy, golden top while keeping the filling warm and creamy underneath—a wonderful mix of textures.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for layering and baking the casserole evenly.
- Large skillet – to brown the ground beef and cook the veggies all in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the beef and soup mixture without scratching your pan.
- Mixing bowl – handy for combining the cream soup and milk smoothly before adding to the skillet.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still tastes great.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky crunch that pairs well with the cheesy topping.
- Mix in chopped mushrooms or green bell peppers to boost the veggie content and flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar if you want a little spicy kick.
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Time You’ll Need:
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-45 minutes to bake, so plan for about 50-60 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain any extra fat. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for a few more minutes until they start to soften.
3. Mix Soup and Milk, Then Combine:
In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Stir well to combine, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Heat the mixture through for a couple of minutes.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown, crispy, and the casserole bubbles on the edges.
5. Add Final Cheese and Garnish:
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tots. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives if desired before serving.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious Tater Tot Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Straight from the Freezer?
Yes! There’s no need to thaw them first. Just add them directly to the skillet with the cooked beef and onion. Cooking a few extra minutes helps soften them perfectly.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Absolutely! You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even make a homemade white sauce if you prefer. Just keep the same quantity to maintain the casserole’s creamy texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the tater tots crispy, or microwave on medium power for a quicker option.
Can This Casserole Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from cold.
