Tater Tot Casserole
Quick and Simple Tater Tot Casserole Recipe in Less Than 40 Minutes
Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect comfort food—cheesy, warm, and topped with crispy tater tots. Whether you're making it for a quick dinner, a game day snack, or a simple meal prep, this 4-ingredient casserole is sure to satisfy everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: Prep it in 5 minutes, then let the oven do all the work!
✔ Crowd-Pleasing: Both kids and adults can’t resist this cheesy, crispy delight.
✔ Customizable: Swap ground turkey, sausage, or add veggies for a twist.
✔ Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients that are affordable and easy to find.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and 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. Break it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally, and cook until fully browned (around 7–10 minutes). Drain excess fat, then mix in the cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef and soup mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the frozen tater tots on top evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Step 4: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the casserole is hot throughout.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Flavor Variations & Additions
- Tater Tot Chicken Casserole – Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken and use cream of chicken soup instead.
- Garlic Parmesan Tater Tot Casserole – Add garlic powder to the beef mixture and top with Parmesan before baking.
- Spicy Tex-Mex Tater Tot Casserole – Mix in taco seasoning and top with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
- Loaded Veggie Tater Tot Casserole – Add 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrients.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole – Top with crumbled bacon and pickles for a burger-inspired dish.
📌 Tip: Want a low-carb option? Swap tater tots for cauliflower tots!
Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole
✔ Frozen Tater Tots Are Best – They cook evenly and get extra crispy.
✔ Season Well – Add spices like garlic powder or paprika to the beef for extra flavor.
✔ For Extra Crispiness – Pre-bake the tater tots for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
✔ More Cheese, Please – Add some shredded cheese into the beef mixture before topping with more on top.
Perfect Pairings for Tater Tot Casserole
- Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad is a great balance to the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts are perfect sides for this hearty dish.
For a truly satisfying meal, pair your Tater Tot Casserole with a crispy Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken for extra flavor!
Shop for Ingredients at Super King Markets
Head to your local Super King Market or an international supermarket for all the ingredients you'll need, including fresh ground beef and frozen tater tots. Don't forget to check out their butcher shop for high-quality meats and more!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Be sure to season it well as these meats have a milder flavor.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Absolutely! You can swap the cream of mushroom soup for other varieties like cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor.
Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
Frozen tater tots are ideal for this recipe because they cook more evenly and get crispier. If you prefer fresh ones, just make sure to visit a grocery store near you for the freshest batch, and adjust cooking times accordingly to get that perfect crisp.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. Check out your international supermarket nearby for freezer-friendly ingredients to keep on hand.
How can I make the tater tots crispier?
For extra crispy 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. Pick up some crispy tater tots from a ethnic grocery store near you to make this tip work even better!