Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate kid-friendly comfort food. It’s a hearty “hotdish” that combines savory ground beef, creamy sauce, veggies, and cheese, all hidden under a layer of crispy, golden tater tots. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. This version sticks to the classic flavors that make it a household staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Crispy Potato Topping
Let’s face it: kids love tater tots. Putting them on top of a nutritious beef and vegetable filling is a brilliant way to serve a complete meal. The tots get crunchy in the oven, providing a fun texture contrast to the creamy casserole underneath.
Easy & Budget Friendly
Using pantry staples like cream of mushroom soup, canned corn, and ground beef makes this an economical meal. It requires very little prep work—just brown the meat, mix, and bake. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a reliable dinner on the table.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 bag (32oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Brown beef and onion. Drain.
- Mix beef with soup, sour cream, veggies, and seasoning.
- Spread in dish. Top with half cheese and tots.
- Bake at 375°F for 35-40 mins. Top with cheese and melt.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Ground Beef: The protein base (85/15 lean).
Tater Tots: One bag of frozen potato nuggets.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy binder.
Milk & Sour Cream: Adds richness.
Corn & Green Beans: Frozen or canned veggies add nutrition.
Cheddar Cheese: Melted on top and inside.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory depth.
Smart Substitutions
Ground turkey works well for a lighter option. If your kids hate mushrooms, use cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup. You can customize the veggies with whatever you have—peas and carrots work great too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Dice the onion.
Cooking Phase
Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet. Drain fat.
Stir in the soup, milk, sour cream, veggies, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Spread the beef mixture into the baking dish. Top with half the cheese.
Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and tots are golden.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the tots and bake 5 minutes more until melted.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
For extra crispy tots, bake on the top rack. Don’t cover the dish with foil, or the tots will steam and get soggy. If you want the filling thicker, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding too much milk. The frozen veggies release water, so keep the added liquid minimal to prevent a runny casserole.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 26g |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve with ketchup on the side for the kids!
Pairing Suggestions
A side salad or apple slices keeps it simple. If you are looking for more budget meals, try our Easy Ground Beef Skillet (Budget!) for a stovetop option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I freeze this?
Yes, freeze unbaked. Bake from frozen (add 20 mins).
Q2? Can I use fresh potatoes?
It won’t have the same crunch. Tots are best.
Q3? Why is it greasy?
Make sure to drain the beef fat thoroughly before mixing.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Casserole is a dinnertime staple that never gets old. It’s crispy, cheesy, and universally loved by kids.
