Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is quick to make, budget-friendly, and customizable to your taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a warm, hearty dish that everyone will enjoy. The crispy tater tot topping paired with creamy beef and veggies makes it both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pound ground beef
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1 can cream of mushroom soup
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1 can green beans
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1 can corn, drained
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1 bag frozen tater tots
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 7–10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
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Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, green beans, and corn. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Arrange tater tots evenly on top of the beef mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tots.
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Bake for 30–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
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Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
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Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken, celery, or cheddar soup.
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Add extra veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers.
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For extra flavor, season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce.
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Try a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make tater tot casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots before baking?
No, use them frozen for the best texture and crispiness.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely. Steam or sauté fresh veggies before adding them to the beef mixture.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but you can use any melty cheese like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend.
How do I keep the casserole from being greasy?
Drain the beef well after browning, especially if using higher-fat ground beef.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans, and extend the baking time slightly.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Use lean ground meat, low-sodium soup, and add more vegetables to lighten it up.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the beef with a plant-based ground alternative or extra vegetables.
How do I keep the tater tots crispy?
Bake uncovered and avoid overcrowding the pan so the tots crisp evenly.
Can I freeze leftovers after baking?
Yes, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot.
Conclusion
This easy tater tot casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty, and customizable. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the variations, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite. Make it ahead, store it for later, or serve it hot and bubbly straight from the oven—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Print
Easy Tater Tot Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This easy tater tot casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish with a creamy beef and vegetable filling topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can green beans
1 can corn, drained
1 bag frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 7–10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, green beans, and corn.
- Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange frozen tater tots evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake for 30–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Notes
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken, celery, or cheddar soup.
Add extra veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers.
Try different cheeses like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
Bake uncovered to keep the tater tots crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
