This hearty, family-favorite casserole features layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots — all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
📋 Recipe Summary
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Serves: 6 to 8 people
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 to 45 minutes
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Total Time: 55 to 60 minutes
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Course: Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine: American (Midwestern Hotdish)
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Difficulty: Easy
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Dietary Info: Not vegetarian, but can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions
💖 Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole
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Warm, cheesy, and filling — the definition of comfort food
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Kid-approved and great for feeding a crowd
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Simple ingredients with endless variations
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Can be prepped ahead or frozen for busy days
🛒 Ingredients
For the Beef and Sauce Base:
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1 pound (approximately 450 grams) ground beef
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1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
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1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
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One-third cup (about 80 milliliters) milk or beef broth
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
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Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
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2 cups (approximately 200 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
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1 bag (32 ounces / approximately 900 grams) frozen tater tots
🛠 Equipment Needed
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9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
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Large skillet or frying pan
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Oven
🧑🍳 How to Make Classic Tater Tot Casserole
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: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains (about 6 to 8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the condensed mushroom soup, milk or broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a creamy, flavorful beef mixture. Stir in half of the shredded cheese and combine until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🍽 Tater Tot Casserole Add-Ins & Ideas
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Add Veggies: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables for a complete one-pan meal.
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Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a few splashes of hot sauce.
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Make It Breakfast-Style: Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef and top with a few cracked eggs during the last 10 minutes of baking.
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Vegetarian Version: Substitute with plant-based meat and use vegetarian-friendly mushroom soup.
❓ Common Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (up to the tater tot layer), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Assemble the base (without the tater tots), freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge, add the tater tots, and bake as usual.
How can I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the full casserole uncovered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 440
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Protein: 18 grams
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Carbohydrates: 35 grams
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Total Fat: 25 grams
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Fiber: 3 grams
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Sodium: 620 milligrams
Note: Nutrition will vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Classic Tater Tot Casserole
This classic Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, family-favorite dish made with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots — baked to golden perfection in under an hour.Ingredients
Equipment
