If your idea of the ultimate comfort food is warm, bubbly, and loaded with flavor, this Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole will absolutely hit the spot. It brings together a hearty layer of seasoned ground beef and creamy vegetables, all blanketed with a golden crown of crispy tater tots and plenty of gooey melted cheddar. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a satisfying dish to share with friends, this classic casserole has everything you want: texture, richness, and easy, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients, each adding its own magic. Every component brings a little personality—be it heartiness, color, or that irresistible cheesy factor—so don’t be afraid to use the best you can find!
- Ground Beef: The foundation for a rich, savory filling—try using 85% lean for the ideal balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Small Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth that works perfectly with the beef.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a subtle punch—fresh is best, but jarred will work in a pinch.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy binder that brings everything together, plus hints of earthy mushroom flavor.
- Sour Cream: Balances the richness and adds a slight tang for more interesting flavor.
- Milk: Helps thin the sauce just enough for a perfectly scoopable filling.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided): For that all-important melt and classic cheesy flavor—try extra-sharp for more zing.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Easy and colorful, these sneak in extra nutrition and texture.
- Frozen Tater Tots: The iconic, crispy topping that makes this casserole utterly craveable.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash for savory, umami undertones.
- Salt: Seasons all the layers—taste as you go!
- Black Pepper: Brightens and deepens the overall flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A burst of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) for a perfectly even bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a drizzle of oil or a bit of butter—this helps keep the Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together, stirring often, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions turn soft and translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Stir in the Creamy, Cheesy Filling
With the heat turned down to low, add cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and the frozen mixed vegetables right into the skillet. Stir well to combine—this is where that wonderful creamy base of your Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole comes together!
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Spoon the beef and veggie mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out so it cooks uniformly. Now comes the fun part: arrange the tater tots in a single layer across the top. It’s oddly satisfying lining them up so every bite gets a little crunch.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots for that irresistible golden, melty topping. This step seals the deal for any cheese lover—don’t skimp here!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the filling is piping hot and bubbly and the tater tots are crisp and golden brown. Let it cool for just a few minutes, then shower the top with fresh parsley before serving. Your Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is ready to wow!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
Garnishes
Nothing brightens up a hearty casserole like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives. If you want a little zing, try slicing up some green onions or even adding a dash of hot sauce for those who like it spicy. These fresh touches make the Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with something light and crisp on the side. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or even a plate of juicy grape tomatoes can round out the richness and keep the meal feeling balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in oven-safe ramekins for a dinner party twist, or layer up the casserole in a deep pie dish if you want something extra special. For kids, let them sprinkle their own cheese or arrange their tater tots into fun patterns on top—the Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is endlessly customizable and turns every meal into a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and honestly, the flavors almost get even better by day two. Make sure to reheat portions thoroughly before serving again for that gooey, just-baked experience.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, assemble your Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole right up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and pop it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes, or thaw overnight in the fridge first for a slightly quicker reheat.
Reheating
For the crispiest tater tots, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout, about 20-25 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave is fine for single servings (about 2-3 minutes, covered), but the oven helps restore that perfect crunchy topping that makes Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Casserole
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes if you want to lighten things up, and both blend seamlessly with the other flavors in Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes—simply use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that your frozen tater tots are gluten-free. It’s an easy swap that keeps the casserole just as satisfying and crowd-friendly.
How can I add more vegetables?
Toss in extra frozen veggies like corn, peas, or carrots, or sauté some mushrooms or bell peppers with the beef and onions for an even heartier, more colorful Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole.
Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble it up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and plan for a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s going in cold.
What’s the best way to keep the tater tots crispy?
Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer and don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Giving the casserole a few extra minutes under the broiler at the end of baking can help them get even crispier if you love that crunch!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making weeknight magic for your family or surprising friends with pure comfort food, this Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is guaranteed to deliver on every level. Dive in, share generously, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, mixed vegetables, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and mixed vegetables.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread beef mixture in the baking dish, top with tater tots and remaining cheddar.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or use pepper jack cheese.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
- Casserole can be frozen before baking and makes delicious leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
