Name: Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots; 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

What happens when you combine crispy tater tots, rich ground beef, and a generous blanket of melted cheese? You get a dinner that hits every comfort-food note while still being quick and family-friendly. This Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole is a one-dish wonder that brings together creamy, savory, crunchy, and gooey elements all in a single bite.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking to prep meals ahead, or need something hearty after a long day, this casserole delivers. It layers seasoned beef, sharp cheddar, and golden tater tots in a way that’s not only satisfying but absolutely crave-worthy. It’s also super customizable with add-ins like jalapeños, green beans, or mushrooms.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get this Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole just right, you’ll need a few trusty kitchen tools. First up is a large skillet – essential for browning your beef evenly without overcrowding. You’ll also want a 9×13-inch baking dish, the perfect size for layering and baking the casserole to golden perfection.

A mixing spoon helps combine all your cooked components evenly, especially when adding in extras like cheese or veggies. Lastly, a cheese grater is key if you’re shredding your own cheddar – and trust us, freshly grated cheese melts so much better than the pre-shredded kind.

Prep these tools beforehand, and you’re already halfway to comfort-food bliss.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

Ground Beef: This forms the hearty base of the dish. Opt for 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture.
Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of sweetness once sautéed.
Garlic: Brings a warm, savory edge to the beef.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy, cohesive sauce that binds everything together.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture to balance the richness.
Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and a melty finish.
Frozen Tater Tots: These crispy golden bites create the crunchy top layer that makes this casserole so irresistible.
Jalapeños (optional): For a bit of kick and contrast against the creamy layers.
Salt & Pepper: The essential seasoning duo to bring out every flavor.

How To Make the Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the Creamy Base

Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix until the mixture is fully combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese, followed by a single layer of frozen tater tots. Add jalapeños over the top if using.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving and Storing the Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven while the cheese is still gooey and the tater tots crispy. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. If you’re feeding a crowd, it also holds well on a buffet table for casual gatherings or potlucks.

For leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before covering. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions until warmed through. You can also freeze it in portions for up to 2 months—just be sure to use freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or even chicken can work as a lighter option, just be sure to season well to keep flavor levels high.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can swap in cream of chicken or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasoning.

How do I make it spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture for extra heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything (except baking) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the oven time.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Not by default, since most canned soups and tater tots contain gluten. However, you can make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free versions of those ingredients.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Green beans, corn, peas, or mushrooms are all popular add-ins. Just make sure they’re cooked or thawed before mixing them in.

Want More Comfort Casserole Ideas?

If you’re all about cozy dishes that deliver big flavor with minimal fuss, here are more comfort casseroles to add to your lineup:

You might enjoy the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, a kid-friendly favorite that layers cheesy goodness with pizza flavors in every bite. Or explore the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, which brings together tender pasta and beef in a creamy, rich sauce.

For those who love a slow-cooked approach, the Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples can double as a sweet side or dessert and pair perfectly with savory mains like this tater tot casserole.

Looking for something a bit more bold? The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe takes spicy game-day vibes and transforms them into a baked pasta masterpiece. And don’t miss the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – it’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with melty cheese and tender broccoli florets.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your easy dinner boards for next time. Just hit the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go spicy? Add extra cheese? Drop a comment below – I’m always curious how others make it their own.

For even more comforting creations, check out my Pinterest page where I share daily recipes: LadyPlate on Pinterest