Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
Craving comfort food with serious cheesy, crispy, creamy goodness? This Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dinner. It’s hearty, satisfying, kid-approved, and packed with flavor in every bite. With layers of seasoned ground beef, a rich and creamy sauce, gooey cheddar, and crispy golden tater tots on top—this is the ultimate cozy casserole.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that reheat like a dream, this recipe is a guaranteed family favorite!
Why You’ll Love It
- One-dish wonder—hello, fewer dishes!
- Super customizable and freezer-friendly
- Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly
- Rich, cheesy, creamy comfort food at its finest
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 5: Add the Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture. No need to thaw—just scatter them evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy on top.
Step 7: Add More Cheese
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and dig into that cheesy, savory deliciousness!
Optional Add-Ins
- Add a cup of frozen peas or corn to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
- Swap cheddar for a mix of Monterey Jack and mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
- Spice it up with chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick lunch.
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
Calories: ~450 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 32g | Fat: 27g
(May vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Make It Ahead
You can assemble this casserole (without baking) a day in advance. Just cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cook time since it’s starting cold.
Loved This Recipe?
Snap a photo and tag it with #CheesyTaterTotCasserole – I’d love to see your bubbly, golden creation!
Stay cheesy,
– The Comfort Food Kitchen
