Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Let’s be honest, there’s something almost magical about pulling a golden, bubbling Tater Tot Casserole out of the oven. I still remember the first time I made it on a freezing Tuesday night when I had almost nothing in the fridge—just ground beef, a bag of tots, and some canned soup. It turned into one of those meals that stopped everyone mid-bite. That’s the beauty of this dish: it’s not fancy, but it’s deeply satisfying. Every forkful hits that sweet spot between crispy, cheesy, and comforting, and it never fails to bring everyone to the table.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
• Pro Tips from My Kitchen
• Frequently Asked Questions about Tater Tot Casserole
• Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pure Comfort in Every Bite: This Tater Tot Casserole wraps all the cozy flavors of home into one pan—crispy tots, creamy sauce, and melty cheese that practically hugs your fork.
• Weeknight Friendly: You can get this on the table in about an hour, with less than 15 minutes of hands-on prep. Perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without the hassle.
• Budget Conscious: Simple ingredients, big flavor. Everything in this recipe comes from pantry staples you probably already have, making it an affordable favorite for feeding a crowd.
• Kid-Approved (and Adult-Addictive): There’s something about that crunchy top layer that turns even picky eaters into fans. It’s one of those meals where no one complains—ever.
• Easily Customizable: Make it your own with different vegetables, cheese blends, or proteins. Once you know the base, you can create endless versions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Tater Tot Casserole just right. Nothing fancy, just reliable, comforting ingredients that come together beautifully.

• 32 ounces frozen tater tots – The crispy crown of this casserole.
• 1 pound lean ground beef – Use 85% lean for the best flavor balance.
• ½ white onion, diced – Adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – For that subtle savory lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances every layer.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds warmth without overpowering.
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – Brings in a rich, umami edge.
• ⅓ cup sour cream – Makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
• 1 can (10 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup – The secret to that velvety texture.
• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom or chicken soup – Both work beautifully for a rich, flavorful base.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – Sharp cheddar gives the best punch.
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained – Adds a little sweetness and texture.
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) green beans, drained – Classic touch for balance and heartiness.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Making this Tater Tot Casserole couldn’t be easier. Follow these steps for a perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and cheesy in every bite.

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks later.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming oily.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, corn, green beans, and one cup of shredded cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in neat rows. Don’t skip this—it helps them bake evenly and turn perfectly golden.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the tater tots are crisp and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted and gooey.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The wait is tough, but it helps the casserole set so each portion holds together beautifully.

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

Let the Tots Shine – For the crispiest finish, always bake your Tater Tot Casserole on the middle rack. The heat circulates better there, keeping the bottom creamy and the top golden brown.

Skip the Grease – After browning the beef, drain it well. Even a little extra grease can make the casserole soggy instead of rich and hearty.

Balance the Texture – If you like a creamier base, add a spoonful of sour cream or a splash of milk when mixing the soup and beef. It keeps the filling moist without feeling heavy.

Layer Thoughtfully – Even though everything gets mixed together, make sure the tater tots are in a single, even layer. Overlapping them can lead to uneven baking.

Cheese Strategy – Divide the cheese properly—half in the mix, half on top at the end. This creates that signature gooey center and perfectly melted top.

Freezer-Friendly Tip – Want to prep ahead? Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze. When ready, bake straight from frozen at 350°F for about 70 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tater Tot Casserole