Crispy Tater Tot Casserole
A comforting tater tot casserole featuring a creamy beef filling, crispy tater tops, and melty cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Beef filling
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15) Good balance of flavor and fat
- 1 small onion, diced (yellow or sweet)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Or cream of celery for a milder flavor
- ½ cup sour cream Full fat yields the creamiest result
Casserole topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Sharp cheddar offers more flavor
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook until beef is browned and onions are softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Assembly
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Heat through for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar over the beef.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
Baking
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and hot through. Tent with foil if the tops brown too fast.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top and return to bake for another 3–5 minutes until melted.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispy tots, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Make it ahead by assembling the dish the night before.