Go Back
–+ servings
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes and tips from us each week!

A serving of cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with ground beef and potatoes is being lifted from a baking dish, with melted cheese stretching.

Tater Tot Casserole

Author: Mandy Applegate
Tater Tot Casserole is my go-to when I need a quick, comforting, filling dinner on busy nights. Seasoned ground beef gets mixed with Worcestershire sauce and cream of mushroom soup for a savory base, then topped with frozen tater tots and sharp cheddar that melts into every crispy layer. I make it for weeknight meals, potlucks, and game days because it's hearty, crowd-pleasing, kid-approved, and travels well. It's also perfect for easy meal prep and casual gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe [btn-google-source]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: tater tot casserole
Servings: 6
Calories: 364kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ground beef
  • ½ onion chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 package tater tots about 2 cups or enough to cover the dish
  • Fresh parsley for serving
US Customary - Metric

Video

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
  • In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the onion and garlic until browned. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and mushroom soup, then set aside.
    2 cups ground beef, ½ onion, 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom.
  • Arrange the tater tots on top and sprinkle with the cheddar cheese.
    1 package tater tots, 2 cups cheddar cheese
  • Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tater tots are golden.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
    Fresh parsley

Notes

Here are my best tips for making tater tot casserole turn out perfectly every time.
Drain the meat well: After browning the beef, drain off excess fat so the casserole doesn't get greasy or watery during baking. You can also use lean ground beef instead; it's less oily, and you can season the beef with salt and pepper to enhance the savory flavor.
Add vegetables to the beef layer: Feel free to stir in frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers with the mushroom soup for extra nutrition without changing the cooking time.
Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, so grate a block of sharp cheddar for the best texture and flavor.
Don't overlap the tater tots: Arrange them in a single layer so they all crisp up evenly instead of steaming under layers of potatoes.
Let it rest before serving: Give the casserole 5 minutes to cool slightly after baking so the layers set and it's easier to scoop without everything sliding around.
Store properly: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or portion it out into airtight containers and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days. To freeze, transfer portions to freezer containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 344mg | Potassium: 284mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 287mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!