Print

The BEST Simple & Creamy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef (Family Favorite)

A thick slice of tater tot casserole showing a layer of seasoned ground beef topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy tater tot casserole with ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese for the ultimate comfort food dinner. It is a simple, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen green beans, thawed (optional, for a heartier version)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. If you are using green beans, add them now. Cook until heated through.
  4. Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese. Do not thaw the tots first.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining one cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a Cowboy Casserole Recipe feel, add 1/2 cup of drained canned corn and 1/4 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce to the meat mixture before spreading it in the dish.
  • If you want a crispier top, you can bake the tater tots for 15 minutes first before adding the cheese layer.
  • This dish freezes well. Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add about 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/tater-tot-casserole-recipe-easy-comfort-food/