Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef

The first time I made tater tot casserole was during a particularly brutal winter when my apartment heat kept failing. My friend Sarah came over with groceries and suggested this dish she grew up eating in Minnesota. Something about that bubbling, crispy-topped comfort food made us forget about the cold draft coming through the windows entirely.

Ive made this for countless weeknight dinners, lazy Sundays, and even that one time when my sister brought her new boyfriend over for the first time. She was so nervous about everything being perfect, but honestly, nothing breaks the ice like a steaming dish of tater tot casserole. Theyve been married three years now and still ask for it.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: The hearty foundation that soaks up all those savory flavors from the vegetables and seasonings
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Ive learned to really mince these small so they practically melt into the sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes such a difference here, dont skip it
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: The peas and carrots add sweetness while green beans bring a little texture
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is the classic binder that creates that velvety, comforting sauce everyone loves
• 1/2 cup whole milk: Helps thin the soup just enough so it coats everything beautifully
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch through all the other ingredients
• 1 bag frozen tater tots: The star of the show, dont even think about using fresh potatoes
• 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika: Simple seasoning that lets the humble ingredients shine
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Adds a little pop of color and freshness to cut through all that richness

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F:

Getting it nice and hot ensures those tater tots get perfectly crispy

Brown the ground beef:

Cook it in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with your spoon as it browns, then drain any excess fat

Add the aromatics:

Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until theyre soft and fragrant

Stir in the vegetables:

Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for just 2 minutes to take the raw edge off

Create the sauce:

Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, stirring until everything is combined and heated through, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika

Mix in the cheese:

Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup of the cheddar until its melted and wonderful

Assemble the casserole:

Spread the beef mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, making it as even as you can

Arrange the tater tots:

Place them in a single layer over the top, and yes, its totally fine if theyre touching

Bake until golden:

Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake 5-10 minutes more until everything is bubbly and browned

Garnish and serve:

Top with fresh parsley if youre feeling fancy, then serve it steaming hot

Save

This recipe has become my go-to for new parents, friends recovering from surgery, anyone who needs a little extra comfort. Theres something about that combination of crispy potatoes and creamy beef that just wraps around you like a warm blanket.

Making It Your Own

After making this dozens of times, Ive started experimenting with little twists. Sometimes I add sliced mushrooms during the beef cooking phase, or swap in ground turkey for a lighter version. My neighbor adds a layer of corn underneath the tots, which is surprisingly brilliant.

Timing Is Everything

The key to perfect tater tot casserole is patience during that final bake. I know the smell is incredible and everyone is hovering around the kitchen, but those extra minutes really do transform the texture. The tots should be deeply golden and make that satisfying crunch sound when you tap them.

Serving Suggestions

A simple green salad with vinaigrette helps balance all that richness, and dinner rolls are never a bad idea. I love how this feeds a crowd with virtually no stress.

• Set out hot sauce on the table for anyone who likes a little kick
• Cold beer or crisp white wine pair surprisingly well
• This freezes beautifully if you want to make it ahead for busy weeks

Save

Hope this brings as much comfort to your table as it has to mine over the years. Theres a reason some recipes become classics.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate unbaked. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. You can also freeze the assembled casserole for up to 3 months.

→ What vegetables work best in this casserole?

Frozen mixed vegetables including peas, carrots, corn, and green beans work perfectly. You can also add fresh mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even broccoli florets for extra nutrition and variety.

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Ground turkey or chicken make excellent lighter alternatives. You can also use ground pork or sausage for more flavor. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly and drain excess fat before proceeding with the vegetables.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is ready when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is hot throughout. This typically takes 35-40 minutes total baking time.

→ What should I serve with this casserole?

A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness nicely. Steamed vegetables, dinner rolls, or crusty bread also make great sides. For a complete meal, add fruit salad or a light dessert.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify that your tater tots are certified gluten-free. Many brands now offer gluten-free options, or you can make your own mushroom sauce from scratch.