Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
When you’re craving cozy comfort food that’s guaranteed to make everyone smile, this tater tot casserole recipe delivers every time. It’s easy, hearty, endlessly customizable, and just plain delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables corn, peas, green beans — whatever you love
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
- Chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep (5 min)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Brown the Meat (5–7 min)
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onions are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the Filling (2–3 min)
- Remove from heat. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and frozen veggies. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble (2–3 min)
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer.
- Bake (35–40 min)
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. If you like extra crispy tots, switch on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes — but watch them closely!
- Garnish & Serve
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like, and dig in!
Notes
Mini tip: For extra flavor, try sharp cheddar or a cheddar-jack blend!
Presentation tip: Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes so it slices neatly, then serve in generous squares!
Storage & Reheating:
Cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave individual portions for quick leftovers.