Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that blends savory ground beef, creamy soup, tender vegetables, and crispy tater tots into one delicious meal. Perfect for family dinners, it’s simple to prepare and loved by all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 cups finely diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 5-6 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 3 cups thawed frozen peas and carrots
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots (use more or less as needed)
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat a 12 or 14-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for 7-10 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any grease and reduce heat to medium.
- Step 3: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 4: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, thawed peas and carrots, and canned soup. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, then arrange a layer of frozen tater tots on top. Use as many as needed to cover the casserole evenly.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set slightly and make serving easier.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Substitute frozen mixed vegetables if you don’t have peas and carrots on hand.
- Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom soup for a slightly different taste.
- Add cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions on top before baking for more depth.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving is faster but may soften the tater tots.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
Yes, freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
PrintTater Tot Casserole Recipe
This classic Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines rich flavors and textures baked to golden perfection in just over an hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 cups finely diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 5–6 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 3 cups thawed frozen peas and carrots
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Topping
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots (more or less as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a 12 or 14-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds of lean ground beef and cook for 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish leaner, then reduce heat to medium.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add 2 cups finely diced onion and 2 tablespoons minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1-2 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Stir in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons dried parsley, and 3 cups thawed frozen peas and carrots. Mix well. Add 2 cans (10.5-ounce each) of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, heating through. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Then layer the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top – you may use a bit less or more than the 32-ounce bag depending on your dish size.
- Bake: Place uncovered casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Bake until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top, and the edges of the casserole are bubbly and heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup based on preference.
- For added flavor, sprinkle extra cheese on top halfway through baking.
- To make it a little healthier, use reduced-fat cheese and lean ground beef.
- Frozen peas and carrots must be thawed before mixing to ensure even cooking.
- Do not cover the casserole while baking to ensure the tater tots get crispy.
Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Cheesy Casserole, Frozen Tater Tots, Cream of Mushroom Soup
