Ground Beef and Tater Tot Casserole
This ground beef and tater tot casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and easy dinner that the whole family will love. With a creamy beef filling and crispy golden tater tots on top, it’s the perfect weeknight meal.
If you love easy dinners like this, try this Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef or explore more ground beef recipes.
Looking for a simple ground beef dinner everyone will love? This cheesy tater tot casserole is loaded with seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots baked until golden. It's a classic Midwest comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Tater Tot Casserole
- Easy weeknight comfort food. This ground beef and tater tot casserole comes together with simple ingredients and minimal prep, making it perfect for busy nights when you need a reliable, filling dinner—just like this Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Crispy, cheesy, and creamy in every bite. The combination of a rich, savory ground beef base, melted cheese, and golden crispy tater tots creates the perfect balance of textures that you’ll also find in many classic ground beef recipes
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. This is one of those dinners everyone will love — even picky eaters — because it’s simple, hearty, and packed with familiar flavors.
- Great for leftovers and meal prep. The casserole reheats well, making it ideal for next-day lunches or prepping ahead for the week, similar to meals like Homemade Hamburger Helper.
- Customizable with what you have on hand. You can easily add vegetables, swap cheeses, or adjust seasonings to fit your taste while still keeping the dish simple and satisfying.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Tater Tot Casserole
This casserole uses simple ingredients that create a rich, hearty, and satisfying dish.
- Ground Beef (1 lb). Ground beef provides the base of this casserole, adding rich flavor and protein.
- Tater Tots (1 bag, about 32 oz). Tater tots create a crispy golden topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz). Adds a creamy, savory base that binds the casserole together.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups). Cheese melts into the filling and on top, creating a rich and cheesy texture.
- Milk (½ cup). Helps thin the sauce and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Onion (½ cup, diced). Adds depth and flavor to the beef mixture.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced). Enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste). Balances and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef and Tater Tot Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Make the sauce
Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings until combined and creamy.
4. Assemble the casserole
Spread the beef mixture into the baking dish, then sprinkle with cheese.
5. Add tater tots
Arrange tater tots evenly on top of the casserole.
6. Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
7. Serve
Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
- Don’t overcrowd the tater tots for crispiness
- Season the beef well for maximum flavor
- Let the casserole rest before serving
- Use a high-quality baking dish like those from Caraway (use my code STACIE at checkout for a generous discount) for even heat distribution and better results
For another comforting meal, try this Homemade Hamburger Helper.
Ground Beef and Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 10.5-oz can cream of onion soup
- 2 cups shredded Tillamook cheddar cheese divided, or any cheese of choice
- 1 bag frozen tater tots enough to cover a 8x11 casserole dish
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in 1 can cream of onion soup until well combined.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded Tillamook cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in uniform rows on top of the cheese.
- Bake 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese over the tater tots.
- Return to the oven and bake 5 more minutes until cheese melts.
- Optional: Broil on high for 1 minute to crisp the tater tots.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle lightly with sea salt before serving.
- Allow to set for 5 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 420Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 720mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
More Easy Comfort Food Recipes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make ground beef and tater tot casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Can I freeze tater tot casserole?
Yes, ground beef and tater tot casserole freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
How do I keep tater tots crispy?
To keep tater tots crispy, arrange them in a single layer on top and avoid overcrowding. Baking uncovered helps them crisp up.
Can I use a different soup?
Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup depending on your preference.
What can I serve with tater tot casserole?
Ground beef and tater tot casserole pairs well with a side salad or vegetables for a balanced meal.
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