Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food in casserole form! This Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is the answer to busy nights and cravings for something cozy, delicious, and nostalgic. Imagine seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and a crown of crispy golden tater tots — all baked together into a bubbly, irresistible dish. With each forkful, you’ll get layers of flavor and texture, making it an instant family favorite that everyone (yes, even the picky eaters!) will request again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together a handful of familiar ingredients that combine for maximum flavor. Every component serves a purpose, from creating a satisfying creamy base to adding a golden, crunchy topping. Here’s what you’ll need for this memorable dish:
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Lean or regular, ground beef forms the heart of the casserole with savory richness.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a subtle, aromatic punch in every bite.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing the flavors throughout the casserole.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Complements the beef and lifts the overall seasoning.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle warmth and color to the dish.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces an earthy note that plays so well with the creamy sauce.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can): The classic casserole shortcut, delivering creamy texture and depth.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess that balances all the rich flavors.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Helps loosen the sauce so it coats every morsel evenly.
- Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Melty, gooey, and golden — because no tater tot casserole is complete without plenty of cheese!
- Frozen Tater Tots (32 oz bag): The star topping that gets ultra-crispy as it bakes.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional): Sprinkled on at the end for a welcome pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned with tasty little crispy bits. This simple step lays the flavorful foundation, and the aroma will instantly make everyone hungry.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is just soft and the garlic is fragrant. Next, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. This blend transforms the beef into a deeply savory, utterly crave-worthy mixture.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat just a tad and stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Mix until everything is evenly combined. This creamy concoction is both savory and slightly tangy, making every bite of the Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole extra special.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Assemble
Blend in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melty and incorporated. Now, spread this luscious mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring it’s distributed evenly so every portion gets maximum flavor.
Step 5: Tater Tot magic
Layer the frozen tater tots neatly over the beef mixture in a single, snug row. Do your best to cover every bit of the filling for the ultimate golden crust. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 35 minutes while the kitchen fills with anticipation.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
After 35 minutes, take out the casserole and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese all over the crispy tater tots. Slide the dish back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the tots are irresistibly golden and crunchy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole cool slightly, then scatter fresh chopped parsley on top if you’d like a touch of green and a little herb freshness. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting scoop!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley immediately brightens up the Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole, offering contrast in both color and flavor. For a little kick, try adding sliced green onions or a dash of hot sauce just before serving!
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is already hearty and rich, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or simply steamed green beans to keep things light. If you want to go all-out, roasted carrots or buttery corn work wonders too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole in individual ramekins or mini baking dishes — perfect for parties or comfort food night. You can also scoop some into fluffy baked potatoes or serve it atop a bed of sautéed spinach for an extra veggie boost!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers? Lucky you! Once the casserole has cooled, cover it tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days — perfect for no-fuss lunches or a second round of comfort food.
Freezing
Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole freezes like a champ. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months; just label it so you’ll remember this treat next time you need an easy dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, a quick trip in the microwave works, but the oven will help bring back the crispy tater tots we all crave.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even with ground sausage for a spicier edge.
What other vegetables can I add?
Toss in some frozen mixed vegetables, corn, or sautéed mushrooms alongside the beef mixture if you’d like even more color, texture, and flavor.
Is this Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free condensed soup and check that your tater tots are gluten-free, this casserole fits easily into a gluten-free diet.
Can I prep this Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole (minus the final cheese topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the last cheese layer before finishing the bake.
How do I keep the tater tots extra crispy?
Bake the casserole uncovered and make sure the tater tots are in a single layer; for extra crunch, broil them for a minute or two at the end—just keep a close eye to avoid burning!
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats homemade comfort food, and this Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole brings joy to every bite. It’s a dish that never fails to put a smile on my face, and I can’t wait for you to experience that same warmth at your own dinner table. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and savor every cheesy, crispy mouthful!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots come together to create a flavorful and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Sauce:
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Additional:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 more minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until well combined. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 35 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- For extra flavor, add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or frozen mixed vegetables beneath the tater tots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
