Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — warm, hearty, creamy, and topped with crispy golden tater tots. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.
This classic casserole layers seasoned ground beef in a creamy sauce, plenty of melted cheese, and a crisp tater tot topping that bakes to perfection.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional Add-Ins
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute.
Make the Creamy Mixture
Stir in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until well combined. If using vegetables, fold them in now.
Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness. A little ketchup or hot sauce on top is also popular.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the tots crispy.
You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 15–20 extra minutes.
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy beef base and crispy potato topping, it’s a comforting dish that brings everyone back for seconds.