Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something incredibly comforting but surprisingly easy to whip up, this Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is just the ticket. Picture layers of savory ground beef mingling with creamy mushroom soup, topped off with melty cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots that bake up golden and irresistible. It’s a homey, crowd-pleasing dish that combines textures and flavors so effortlessly, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend meal, this casserole never fails to satisfy with its hearty goodness and fuss-free prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The simplicity of this recipe is part of its charm, and the ingredients play crucial roles in delivering the ultimate comfort food experience. Each component is easy to find and helps balance flavor, creaminess, and crunch in every bite.

• 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, savory foundation that’s packed with hearty protein.
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz): Adds creamy moisture and a subtle earthiness to bind everything together.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings melty, sharp flavor and beautiful color on top of the casserole.
• 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the texture of the beef mixture for a smoother result.
• 1 small onion, chopped: Gives a mild sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors so every bite is deliciously balanced.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle spice to keep things interesting.
• 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz): The star crispy topping that bakes to golden perfection, bringing satisfying texture contrast.

How to Make Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your oven and brown the beef

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when you assemble the casserole. While the oven heats, brown the ground beef and the chopped onion together in a large skillet over medium heat. This step develops the rich, meaty flavor and softens the onions until translucent. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

Step 2: Mix the delicious beef filling

Once your beef and onions are nicely cooked, combine them in a mixing bowl with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until the ingredients are well incorporated, resulting in a creamy, flavorful filling that will make the base of this casserole stand out.

Step 3: Layer the casserole

Pour your beef mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out smoothly to cover the bottom. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, ensuring the cheese is distributed evenly to deliver melty pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.

Step 4: Add the tater tots and bake

Next, arrange the frozen tater tots over the cheese in a single evenly-spaced layer. This ensures every tot crisps up beautifully. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the tots are golden and crispy, signaling that your casserole is perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.

Step 5: Rest briefly and serve

Don’t forget to let your casserole cool for a few minutes after baking so it sets nicely and is easier to serve. This is when all those fantastic layers meld into a harmonious dish full of taste and texture.

How to Serve Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate this already fantastic meal with some fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a subtle hint of freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Keep your sides simple to balance the hearty casserole. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans make excellent companions without competing for flavor or attention.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions, making it feel extra special and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. You could also add some sliced jalapeños on top before baking if you love a spicy kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and keeps the flavors intact.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it heats through.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Using the oven helps keep the tater tots crispy instead of soggy, which is a big plus for texture lovers.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of soup besides cream of mushroom?

Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works well as alternatives, each bringing a unique twist to the flavor while maintaining that creamy texture essential to the casserole.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use a vegetarian mushroom soup. This keeps the dish hearty without compromising on taste.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it covered. Bake it fresh the next day for a convenient meal without extra effort.

What’s the best way to get extra crispy tater tots on top?

For crispier tots, try broiling the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. This quick blast of high heat brings out a golden, crunchy finish.

Can I add other vegetables to the beef mixture?

Of course! Diced bell peppers, corn, or peas can be stirred in with the beef mixture to add color, flavor, and nutrition to your Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe enough when you want a home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward, uses pantry staples, and delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it becoming one of your go-to favorites!

Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy golden tater tots for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Dairy

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Vegetables and Others

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)

Condiments and Seasonings

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly and thoroughly.
2. Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onions become translucent. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onions with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Assemble Base Layer: Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to form a consistent base layer for the casserole.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture layer, adding rich flavor and a cheesy texture.
6. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese, ensuring they cover the surface uniformly for even baking.
7. Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top and the casserole is heated through.
8. Cool and Serve: After baking, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set and prevent burns.

Notes

• Drain excess fat after cooking the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
• You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
• For extra crunch, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
• Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner recipes, comfort food, cheesy casserole, weeknight meal