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A crock pot filled with golden tater tot casserole on a rustic kitchen table.

Tater Tot Casserole

A hearty, comforting casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce—all topped with a crispy layer of golden tater tots. This one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight supper.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Casserole, Comfort Food
Cuisine American
Servings 6 8

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • Serves 6–8
  • Meat & Vegetables
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Creamy Sauce
  • 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • use a gluten-free version if needed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist
  • 1/4 cup milk whole or low-fat
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • ½ cup stirred into the mixture and ½ cup for topping
  • Extras
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn, and green beans
  • 1 bag approximately 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • ensure they cover the dish in a single, even layer
  • Optional garnish: Chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Brown the Meat:
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s well browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with your spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Sauté Aromatics:
  • Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Season:
  • Sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
  • Make the Creamy Mixture:
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables and combine thoroughly. Remove the skillet from heat.
  • Assemble the Casserole:
  • Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots over the top in a single, even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the tots.
  • Bake:
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the casserole is bubbling.
  • Garnish & Serve:
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Casserole, Comfort Food
  • Method: Sautéing & Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Contains meat and dairy; can be adjusted for gluten-free (with alternative soup) or modified for lower-fat options
  • Keywords
  • Tater Tot Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Ground Beef Casserole, One-Dish Meal, American Cuisine, Easy Casserole, Hearty Dinner
  • Nutrition
  • (Approximate values per serving, assuming 8 servings)
  • Serving Size: ~1 serving (approx. 300 g)
  • Calories: ~350 kcal
  • Sugar: ~4 g
  • Sodium: ~650 mg
  • Total Fat: ~20 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~12 g
  • Trans Fat: ~0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30 g
  • Fiber: ~3 g
  • Protein: ~18 g
  • Cholesterol: ~70 mg
  • Note: These values are estimates. Actual nutrition will vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Notes

Variations:
Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a different twist.
Experiment with additional spices (e.g., a dash of chili powder) for extra heat.
Make-Ahead Tip:
You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If chilled, add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave (note that the tater tot topping may lose some crispiness upon reheating).
Serving Suggestion:
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to help set the layers and meld the flavors before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Tater Tot Casserole—a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and crispy elements in every bite!
Keyword Tater Tot Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Ground Beef Casserole, One-Dish Meal, American Cuisine, Easy Casserole, Hearty Dinner