Name: Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; ½ medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ cup sour cream; 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 (12 oz) can corn, drained; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 32 ounces frozen tater tots (see note); Salt & pepper, to taste; Chopped scallions for serving (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it checks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner: fast prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and big flavor. The combination of juicy beef, garlicky cream sauce, and crispy tots is pure comfort food. It’s also flexible—I can add different veggies or spices depending on what I have on hand. Plus, it reheats like a dream, making it great for leftovers. The crunchy top layer of tater tots sealed the deal for me!

Ingredients

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

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (12 oz) can corn, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar, divided
32 ounces frozen tater tots
Salt & pepper to taste
Chopped scallions for serving (optional)

Directions

I preheat my oven to 375°F and move the oven rack to the top third.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the ground beef with chopped onions for about 7–8 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. I drain any excess fat if needed.
I stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute to build flavor.
Then I reduce the heat and mix in the sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, corn, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar. I stir it well and let it warm through.
I transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
I sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
I bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Before serving, I sometimes garnish with chopped scallions and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Add veggies: I’ve tossed in frozen peas, green beans, or mixed veggies to make it a little more nutritious.
Use different meat: Ground turkey or chicken works just as well if I want something lighter.
Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños adds a nice heat.
Swap the soup: I sometimes use cream of chicken or cheddar soup if I don’t have mushroom on hand.
Make it a breakfast casserole: I’ve even used this as a brunch dish by swapping beef for sausage and adding scrambled eggs.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I usually pop a slice into the microwave for 2–3 minutes, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

For freezing, I let the casserole cool completely and freeze it in individual portions or in the dish itself (covered tightly with foil). When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven until warm.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready, I just bake it as usual—adding a few extra minutes if it’s still cold from the fridge.

Can I use a different kind of soup?

Absolutely. I’ve made it with cream of chicken or even cheddar soup when I want a different flavor twist. It always turns out creamy and delicious.

How do I get the tater tots extra crispy?

I place the casserole dish in the upper third of the oven so the tots crisp up nicely. I also make sure to bake it uncovered for the full 45 minutes.

Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Yes. I swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils and use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a satisfying meat-free version.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar is my favorite for its flavor and meltability, but I’ve also used Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses depending on what I have in the fridge.

Conclusion

Tater tot casserole is one of those comforting, nostalgic dishes that I never get tired of. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or just craving something hearty and warm, this cheesy, crispy-topped casserole hits the spot every time.