If you are looking for a hearty, comforting dish that pleases both kids and adults alike, this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. Loaded with savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and a golden layer of crispy tater tots topped with melty cheddar cheese, it brings together a wonderful medley of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this casserole offers that perfect blend of simplicity and soul-satisfying goodness that’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. Each element plays a key role, from the rich beef base to the crunchy topping that makes this casserole unforgettable.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein foundation that adds richness and savory depth to the casserole.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast when cooked down with the beef.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Offers aromatic warmth that elevates the overall taste profile.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5-ounce can): Creates a creamy, luscious sauce that binds everything together perfectly.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the rich flavors beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups, divided): Melts into gooey perfection, giving amazing cheesiness and a golden finish.
- Frozen tater tots (16-ounce bag): The star topping which crisps up nicely and adds that nostalgic crunch.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavors, making each bite perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a delicate kick without overpowering the dish.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Lends a subtle smoky undertone and warmth to the filling.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A fresh and colorful garnish to brighten up the casserole before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef along with the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions become tender, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic, letting it cook for just another minute to release its fragrant flavor without burning. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Mix in the Creamy Sauce
To the cooked beef and vegetables, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. The combination of these ingredients forms a smooth, flavorful filling that will soak into the tater tots wonderfully once baked. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, neat layer over the top of the mixture. This layering ensures every bite has a delicious balance of creamy filling and crispy topping.
Step 4: Bake and Add Cheese Topping
Place the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 35 minutes. After this initial bake, sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let everything set beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of greenery and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. You can also scatter some chopped green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for extra color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the indulgence. Simple roasted broccoli or a tangy coleslaw make excellent companions, offering fresh and light contrasts to the rich, cheesy layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. You could also layer it in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase the colorful strata of ingredients. Another idea is to top with crispy bacon bits or jalapeño slices to add a smoky or spicy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when rested, making leftovers a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but hold off on baking, then wrap it securely to freeze for up to 2 months. Bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it heats through fully and crisps up on top.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that irresistible crispy tater tot topping texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works wonderfully in this casserole, offering a slightly lighter taste but equally tasty results.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a simple homemade creamy sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasoning for a fresh twist.
How do I make this casserole vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use a vegetable-based creamy soup to keep the casserole hearty and meat-free, without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Adding frozen peas, corn, or chopped green beans to the beef mixture can boost the nutrition and introduce fun textures, making the dish even more wholesome.
Is there a way to make the tater tots extra crispy?
For crispier tots, you can pre-bake them for 10 minutes before layering on the casserole or broil the finished dish for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about digging into a warm, cheesy casserole packed with flavors you know and love. This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is not just a meal, it’s an experience that brings people together and lights up the dinner table with smiles. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting American classic featuring a savory ground beef and onion base mixed with creamy mushroom soup and sour cream, topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying with a hint of paprika and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion softens, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Drain Excess Grease: Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness.
- Mix Soup and Seasonings: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until everything is well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture, covering it completely.
- First Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, allowing the tater tots to bake through and start to crisp.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Second Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat as a lighter, healthier alternative.
- Add cooked vegetables such as peas, green beans, or corn to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
