Tater Tot Casserole
This Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together crispy golden tater tots with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and a creamy filling. It's been a beloved weeknight dinner staple since the 1950s, and for good reason—it's easy, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep work and common ingredients, this casserole is perfect for busy families and potlucks alike.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish The perfect size for feeding a family
- Large skillet For browning the beef and onions
- Wooden spoon or spatula To break up the meat as it cooks
- Sharp knife and cutting board For chopping onions and garlic
- Measuring cups and spoons To ensure accurate proportions
- Mixing bowl For combining the creamy sauce ingredients
- Aluminum foil To cover the casserole during initial baking
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef 680g, use 80/20 for best flavor
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup 298g
- 1 cup sour cream 240g
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided, 226g
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots 907g
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning the meat
- fresh parsley chopped, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, break it up, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Pour into the skillet with the beef mixture and stir over low heat. Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is melted and tater tots are golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don't skip draining the beef: Excess grease makes the casserole soggy and less appetizing.
- Use full-fat dairy: Low-fat sour cream and cheese don't melt or taste as rich.
- Keep tater tots frozen: Don't thaw them before adding to the casserole, or they'll get mushy.
- Arrange tots in a single layer: Overlapping causes uneven cooking and some stay pale.
- Let it rest before serving: This allows the filling to thicken and makes slicing easier.
- Season generously: The tater tots themselves are bland, so the filling needs good seasoning.
- Add cheese at the end: Adding cheese too early can make it tough and overcooked.
- Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
- Freezer-friendly: Assemble completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to cook time.
- Storage: Cover tightly and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 24gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 920mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gCalcium: 220mgIron: 3mg
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