If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this Tater Tot Casserole is your answer. Imagine a creamy, savory ground beef filling loaded with veggies, topped with melty cheese, and crowned with crispy tater tots. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table—perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Let me show you how to make this classic comfort food!
Why You Will Love This Tater Tot Casserole Recipe?
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques—just simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Customizable: Use whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the crispy tater tot topping.
- Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything I used to make this delicious casserole:
🥩 1 lb ground beef (or up to 2 lbs if you’re feeding a crowd)
🧅 1 medium onion, diced
🫑 1 bell pepper, diced (any color works!)
🧄 1 teaspoon minced garlic
🥫 1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom/celery)
🥦 2 cans green beans, drained (or frozen veggies like corn or peas)
🧀 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🧀 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
🥔 1 bag frozen tater tots (or crispy crowns)
🧈 1 tablespoon butter
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Make this Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Together
1. Sauté the Veggies:
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Brown the Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the Creamy Base:
- Pour in the can of cream of chicken soup and mix well.
- Add the green beans and corn (or your favorite veggies). Stir to combine.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Spread the beef and veggie mixture evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheeses over the top.
5. Add the Tater Tots:
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
6. Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let it cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Dig in!
Pro Tips
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.
- Switch It Up: Use ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded chicken instead of beef.
- Add a Kick: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle with chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Veggie Lover’s Dream: Load it up with broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.
For more comforting casserole recipes, check out our Top 6 Casserole Recipes for Family Dinners.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Looking for more make-ahead meals? Try out 15 Make-and-Freeze Casseroles for Time-Saving Dinners for easy dinners!
FAQ (Your Questions, My Answers!)
Q: Can I use fresh veggies instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Just sauté them with the onions and peppers until tender.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free cream soup and check that your tater tots are gluten-free.
Q: What can I use instead of tater tots?
A: Try hash browns or even crushed potato chips for a fun twist.
Q: Can I skip the cheese?
A: Sure, but the cheese adds so much flavor and creaminess!
