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This easy tater tot casserole is one of those weeknight dinners you can count on when you need something filling, familiar, and simple. It’s made with seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, sweet corn, crispy tater tots, and a layer of melted cheddar on top — the kind of comfort-food dinner that disappears fast.
If you love cozy, no-fuss meals that feed a crowd, this one belongs in your regular rotation.
If you’re looking for more simple meals to add to your rotation, check out our other easy Casserole Recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Simple ingredients you likely already have
- Comforting, kid-friendly, and filling
- Easy to throw together in one dish
- Crispy tots + cheesy top = always a win
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can corn, drained
- ½ cup sour cream (or more, we usually use closer to ¾ cup)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet – Used for browning and seasoning the ground beef evenly before combining it with the creamy sauce ingredients. A wide skillet makes draining excess grease easy.
- 9×13 baking dish – This ceramic casserole dish works perfectly for layering into an even layer so the tater tots crisp up properly while the filling stays creamy underneath.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – Helpful for stirring the beef mixture and spreading it smoothly into the baking dish without breaking up the layers.
- Aluminum foil (optional) – Can be loosely tented if the casserole starts browning too quickly, though baking uncovered gives the crispiest tater tots.
- Sharp knife or serving spatula – Makes cutting and serving cleaner portions once the casserole has rested for a few minutes.
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole
This tater tot casserole is built to be simple, hearty, and dependable — the kind of dinner that comes together quickly but still feels comforting and filling. It starts with browning the ground beef in a large skillet. Cooking the beef first allows excess grease to be drained away, which keeps the casserole from becoming heavy or greasy once baked.
Seasoning the beef while it’s still hot helps the flavors absorb evenly. Garlic salt, onion powder, salt, and pepper give the meat a savory base that carries through every bite. Once seasoned, the creamy elements are added. The cream of mushroom soup, corn, and sour cream blend together to create a rich, cohesive filling that keeps the casserole moist while it bakes.
Spreading this mixture evenly into a 9×13 baking dish ensures consistent layers and even cooking. The frozen tater tots are then arranged across the top, creating that signature crispy layer as they bake. Sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the tots allows it to melt down into the gaps, adding both flavor and texture.
Baking the casserole uncovered at 350°F lets the tater tots turn golden and crisp while the filling heats through. Once baked, letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving helps it set slightly, making it easier to scoop clean portions. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives at the end adds a bit of color and freshness if you’d like, but it’s optional.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintTater Tot Casserole
This easy tater tot casserole combines seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar for a simple, family-friendly dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Easy Dinner Recipes
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can corn, drained
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt or sour cream (or more, we usually use closer to 3/4 cup)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh Parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet and chop with meat chopper over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
- Season beef with garlic salt and onion powder, salt and pepper to taste, stirring to evenly coat.
- Mix in cream of mushroom soup, corn, and sour cream until fully combined.
- Spread mixture evenly into a 9×13 baking dish.
- Arrange frozen tater tots evenly over the top, sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Top with fresh parsley or chives if using.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Cheese on top: Sprinkling the cheese over the tater tots helps create a golden, melty topping and adds extra flavor in every bite.
Crispier tots: For extra crispiness, spread the tater tots in a single layer and bake uncovered.
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer friendly: Assemble unbaked, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Substitutions: Cream of celery can be used instead of cream of mushroom.
Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking so it sets up and serves cleanly.
Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole
- Single layer of tots: Spreading the tots evenly helps them crisp up better.
- Don’t skip the rest time: Even 3–5 minutes makes it easier to serve clean slices.
- Garnish for a fresh pop: A light sprinkle of parsley or chives makes it look extra appetizing for photos.
Storage & Reheating
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: in the Microwave– quick and easy, but the tots soften. In the Oven: Reheat at 350°F until warmed through to bring back some crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tater tot casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through.
Can I freeze tater tot casserole?
This casserole freezes well. Assemble it unbaked, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. For best texture, add the tater tots just before baking if possible.
How do I keep the tater tots crispy?
Bake the casserole uncovered and arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer. Placing the cheese on top of the tots (instead of underneath) also helps them crisp while still getting melty and golden.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup both work well and won’t change the texture of the casserole significantly.
What meat works best in this recipe?
Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter option. Just be sure to season well since leaner meats benefit from extra flavor.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the tater tots are golden and crispy on top and the filling is hot and bubbling around the edges.
Why should I let the casserole rest before serving?
Letting it rest for a few minutes helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve clean portions without the filling running.
More Easy Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:
- More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Easy Homemade Bread
- Dump and go Slow Cooker meals
- Comfort Soups
- Tasty Pasta Recipes
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