Easy Tater Tot Casserole
A nostalgic and comforting one-dish dinner that features crispy tater tots, ground beef, and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10–11 oz)
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 32 oz or as needed to cover)
- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Heat a skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
- Spread the cooked beef evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the beef and spread it into an even layer. If it’s thick, smooth it with the back of a spoon.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer, covering the soup. It’s okay if they touch; they’ll crisp up in the oven.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the top to taste.
- Finish with a generous layer of shredded cheddar so the top melts and browns.
Baking
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is bubbly. If you want extra crisp, broil for 1–2 minutes—watch closely.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot.
Notes
For variations, use ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes. You can substitute the cream of mushroom with cream of chicken or celery, and add diced onions or mixed vegetables for more texture.