Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy, golden tater tots. This easy-to-make dish features seasoned ground beef, a creamy mushroom or cheese sauce, and a topping of perfectly baked tater tots. It’s a family-friendly classic that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s no wonder this dish is a household favorite.
Ingredients
Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Layer:
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
Topping:
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. - Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease. - Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. - Season the Beef
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper, mixing well. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. - Make the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and smoked paprika (if using). Pour this mixture over the beef layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly. - Layer the Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the creamy beef mixture. - Bake
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. - Add the Cheese
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown. - Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.
Tips
- Choose the Right Beef
For a more flavorful dish, use 80/20 ground beef. If you prefer leaner meat, add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the beef moist. - Customize the Sauce
For a richer taste, mix in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the creamy sauce. - Make It Spicy
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a spicy kick. - Crispy Tots
For extra-crispy tater tots, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezer: Assemble the casserole and freeze before baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Variations
- Vegetable Add-Ins
Add a layer of mixed vegetables (like green beans, peas, or corn) between the beef and sauce layers for extra nutrition. - Southwestern Style
Use taco seasoning in place of Worcestershire sauce, and add black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex twist. - Turkey Tater Tot Casserole
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. - Breakfast Version
Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef, and add scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon to make it a morning favorite.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 470
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fiber: 2g
FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as instructed when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20–25 minutes, or in the microwave for individual portions.
Can I use homemade cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely! Homemade soup can elevate the flavor and allow you to control the ingredients.
What sides go well with Tater Tot Casserole?
A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted Brussels sprouts pair well with this hearty dish.