If you’re craving that perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and comforting all in one dish, this Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a golden classic layered with savory ground beef, creamy mushrooms, sweet corn, and topped with those irresistible crispy tater tots that everyone loves. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a delicious, hearty meal to enjoy any night of the week, this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cast iron pan sits on a white marbled surface with cooked ground beef that is brown and crumbly as the base layer, mixed with small bits of translucent sautéed onions scattered throughout the meat. In the next image, the pan contains the same cooked ground beef with four distinct piles layered on top: bright yellow cooked corn kernels on the bottom left, a heap of finely shredded orange cheddar cheese above the corn, a creamy light tan sauce on the top right, and a dollop of smooth white sour cream at the bottom right, all sitting on top of the meat in separate sections. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple, down-to-earth ingredients that come together to create a cozy, flavorful dinner. Each component plays a special role, from the savory beef mixture adding depth, to the creamy elements balancing richness, and, of course, the tater tots delivering that essential crunch and golden color on top.

1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the hearty and meaty base for this dish, crucial for that satisfying flavor.
1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds a natural sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed with the beef.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a subtle punch of flavor that elevates the savory profile.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy, umami kick to the beef mixture for complexity.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a fragrant, earthy note.
1/2 cup sour cream: Makes the casserole creamy and rich, helping to bind ingredients together.
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds a silky, mushroom-infused goodness to the filling.
1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained): Offers bursts of sweetness and a wonderful textural contrast.
2 cups shredded cheddar (divided): Melts smoothly through the casserole and crisps on top for cheesy perfection.
32 ounces frozen tater tots: The showstopper baking on top, delivering the crave-worthy crunch and golden color.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
Chopped scallions (optional, to taste): Fresh garnish that brings a pop of green and mild onion flavor.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and positioning the rack in the top third. This ensures your tater tots bake to a golden crisp while the filling warms through perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions. Stir occasionally, breaking up the meat until nicely browned and the onions soften—around 7 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to prevent greasiness while keeping moisture.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Mix in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning, cooking for about a minute to let those savory aromas develop beautifully.

Step 4: Stir in Creamy Ingredients and Corn

Turn the heat down to medium, then stir in the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and half a cup of shredded cheddar. Let the mixture heat through for a minute or two, melding all those comforting flavors.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the savory filling into a 9×13 casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. If you’re lucky enough to have a large, oven-safe skillet, you can assemble and bake directly in it, saving on cleanup.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Tater Tots

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, and then layer the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer. This topping is what transforms the dish into a crunchy, golden masterpiece.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until the tater tots become crispy and browned and the cheese is bubbly and inviting. When it’s done, season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with chopped scallions if desired before serving.

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

The dish is a close-up view of a layered tater tot casserole in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a creamy mixture with ground meat, corn, and small bits of onion, showing a soft texture and a light brown color. On top, there is a thick layer of golden-brown, crispy tater tots arranged closely, some sprinkled with chopped green onions. A spoon lifts a portion showing the soft creamy filling with yellow corn pieces and tender browned meat beneath the crispy, golden tots. The textures contrast between the crunchy top layer and creamy bottom, with green onion pieces adding pops of color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped scallions or green onions add a fresh, mild bite and bright green color that complements the casserole’s richness. A dollop of sour cream on the side also works wonders to cool and enrich each serving.

Side Dishes

Pairing this Tater Tot Casserole Recipe with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies balances the meal, providing a fresh contrast to the cheesy, hearty casserole. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber salad also brighten the plate wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins, letting each person enjoy their own crispy tater tot crust. Or top portions with a little hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick that livens up this classic comfort dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making great next-day meals or lunches.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it, cover well with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Tater Tot Casserole Recipe in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the tater tots regain their crispness, usually about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the topping crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well with the seasonings and creamy base in this casserole. Just be sure to season it well to keep the flavor bold.

What can I use if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer. The key is to keep that creamy texture for the filling.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative, and use a vegetarian cream soup to keep it creamy and satisfying while keeping it meat-free.

How long do I need to bake the casserole?

Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbling. This timing ensures a perfect crust on top.

Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready, just bake it fresh for the same recommended time for a convenient meal.

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining crispy, creamy, and savory elements into a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a staple comfort food in your home. So roll up your sleeves and bake up some goodness—you won’t regret it!