Classic Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Classic Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

This easy and delicious Tater Tot Casserole is loaded with seasoned ground beef, fresh garlic, a creamy mushroom and sour cream sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy golden tater tots. It's the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Tater Tot Casserole

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 45

Servings:

Calories: 422kcal

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
½ onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ cup sour cream
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional

½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.

Cook the Beef Mixture:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, then season with salt, pepper, and the optional onion powder and paprika if using.

Make the Creamy Filling

Reduce the heat to low.
Stir the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the beef mixture until fully combined and creamy. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until heated through.

Assemble the Casserole:

Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer across the top.

Bake & Serve:

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For an extra crispy finish, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions if desired.
Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side.

Tips

Keep the tater tots frozen until you're ready to use them for the crispiest topping.
Drain the cooked beef well to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat best in the oven or air fryer.

Notes

Optional Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, stir 1–2 cups of cooked vegetables into the beef mixture before assembling the casserole. Great options include:
- Corn
- Sweet peas
- Diced carrots
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Diced bell peppers
- Chopped broccoli
- Green beans
- Mixed vegetables
If using frozen vegetables, thaw and drain them first. If using fresh vegetables, lightly sauté them before adding to remove excess moisture and enhance their flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the tater tots crispy.

Nutrition

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