Tater Tot Casserole

Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe in Under 40 Minutes

Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and loaded with crispy tater tots. Whether you're making this for a quick family dinner, game day snack, or meal prep, this 4-ingredient casserole is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy: Prep in 5 minutes, then let the oven do the rest!
✔ Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults love this cheesy, crispy goodness.
✔ Customizable: Use ground turkey, sausage, or add veggies for variety.
✔ Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients.

Prep Time: (Using Frozen Tater Tots)

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Servings: 4 Servings 

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen tater tots

• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

• Parsley

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat, then stir in the cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the beef and soup mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.

Step 4: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is hot throughout.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Flavor Variations & Additions

Tater Tot Chicken Casserole – Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef and swap in cream of chicken soup.

Garlic Parmesan Tater Tot Casserole – Mix ½ teaspoon garlic powder into the beef mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before baking.

Spicy Tex-Mex Tater Tot Casserole – Add 1 teaspoon taco seasoning to the beef and top with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.

Loaded Veggie Tater Tot Casserole – Mix in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, or corn) for extra nutrients.

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole – Add crumbled bacon and top with pickle slices after baking for a burger-inspired dish.

📌 Tip: Want a low-carb version? Swap tater tots for cauliflower tots!

Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole

✔ Use Frozen Tater Tots – They cook evenly and get crispier than fresh ones.
✔ Season the Beef Well – Add spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce for more flavor.
✔ Crispy Tots Hack – Pre-bake tater tots for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
✔ Extra Cheesy? Yes, Please! – Mix cheese into the beef layer and sprinkle on top.

Perfect Pairings for Tater Tot Casserole

Side Salad: A fresh Caesar salad balances the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts.

Pair your hearty Tater Tot Casserole with a crispy side like our Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal combo.

Celebrate Tater Tot Day with Super King Markets

Shop for all the ingredients you need, including fresh ground beef and frozen tater tots, at Super King Markets. Make every meal a celebration!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just be sure to season it well since these meats are more mild in flavor.

Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with other types like cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor profile.

Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?

Frozen tater tots are recommended for this recipe because they cook evenly and get crispy on top. If using fresh tater tots, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they crisp up properly.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake according to the recipe instructions.

How can I make the tater tots crispier?

To achieve crispier tater tots, try pre-baking them for 10–15 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This will give them a head start and ensure they stay crispy when baked with the beef and cheese.