Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Tater tot casserole with ground beef is a classic comfort dish that’s hearty, easy, and family-approved. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and crispy all in one pan.
The beef, veggies, and golden tater tots make every bite satisfying. It always hits the spot on busy nights and will be loved by your family.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food: A warm, cheesy casserole that’s hearty and satisfying.
- Family favorite: Kids and adults both love the creamy beef and crispy tater tot combo.
- Simple ingredients: Uses easy-to-find pantry staples for a quick dinner.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead and bake later for busy nights.
- Freezer-friendly: Perfect for meal prep or stocking up for later.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Yellow onion
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Frozen peas and carrots
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Frozen tater tots
How To Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
This visual guide is helpful for making this recipe. For the full printable recipe with measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.
Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Dice the onion and cook it with the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the beef apart as it cooks until no longer pink, then drain any excess grease.
Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the the cream of mushroom soup along with the peas and carrots.
Stir everything together until everything is well combined.Pour the beef mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer across the surface of the casserole.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef FAQs
Can I use a different soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Yes! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works great if you prefer a different flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Corn, green beans, or mixed vegetables are great additions to make it even heartier.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
How do I make it crispier on top?
Bake uncovered and use the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking for extra crispy tater tots.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It’s great with a side salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ yellow onion dices
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots slightly thawed
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 lbs frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Dice the onion.
- Cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking the meat apart as it cooks, until no longer pink. Drain any grease.
- Mix the seasonings into the meat.
- Add the cream of mushroom, carrots, and peas. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the top.
- Arrange tater tots to cover the top in an even layer.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
