This comforting casserole combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots for a crowd-pleasing meal. I find it super easy to throw together, which makes it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights when I still want something hearty and homemade. Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole brings together simple, everyday ingredients into one bubbling, cheesy, golden-topped dish. It’s incredibly satisfying and versatile—I can change it up depending on what I have on hand. The layers of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese topped with crispy tater tots always hit the spot. Plus, it feeds a crowd or leaves plenty of leftovers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 small onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

Directions

I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef. I add the diced onions and cook until they’re soft. I season everything with salt, pepper, and sometimes garlic powder or paprika. Then I drain off any excess fat.
I stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. I let it cook for another 2–3 minutes just to heat everything through.
I grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
I sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Then I arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
I bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
I remove the casserole from the oven and top it with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Then I pop it back in the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I like to mix things up a bit:

Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
Add chopped green beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
Use cream of chicken or cheddar soup instead of mushroom if I want a different base.
Top the finished casserole with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I either microwave individual portions or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until hot. If the tater tots lose some crispiness, a quick broil for a couple of minutes helps bring it back.

FAQs

How do I keep the tater tots crispy on top?

I always bake the casserole uncovered and make sure the tater tots are in a single layer. A few extra minutes under the broiler can help crisp them up too.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. I just bake it a little longer if it’s cold from the fridge—about 10 extra minutes usually does the trick.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. I freeze it either before baking (assembled but not cooked) or after. When ready to eat, I bake it straight from the freezer, covered with foil for the first half, then uncovered to crisp it up.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Sometimes I use cream of chicken or even cream of cheddar soup. Or I make a homemade white sauce if I want something less processed.

What can I serve with tater tot casserole?

I usually pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to round out the meal.

Conclusion

This tater tot casserole with ground beef is one of my favorite comfort meals—it’s hearty, cheesy, and always a hit. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every time. I love how customizable and easy it is to make, and it never fails to bring everyone to the table.