Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines crispy tater tots with creamy cheese sauce and seasoned ground beef for a family-friendly meal. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy one-pan dish that delivers loads of flavor and heartiness, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Serve it with your favorite sides for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-14T04:36:48.930Z

This dish is loved by both kids and adults, making it a go-to for family dinners.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is not just a meal; it's a versatile dish that fits a variety of occasions. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, attending a potluck, or simply preparing a cozy dinner at home, this casserole is sure to please. Its delightful layers of flavor and comforting textures make it an instant favorite among both kids and adults alike.

One of the best aspects of this casserole is its ability to adapt to different tastes. You can easily modify the ingredients by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the ground beef for another protein, such as turkey or sausage. This flexibility makes it an exciting option for diverse palates and dietary preferences.

A Time-Saving Family Dinner

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a nutritious and delicious family meal can be a challenge. This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to whip up a satisfying dish in no time. With just a few quick steps, you can have a hearty dinner ready for your family, making it a go-to weeknight meal.

The one-pan nature of this recipe means less cleanup, which is always a plus for busy families. All you need is a baking dish and a skillet, allowing you to save time on both cooking and washing up. Plus, the ingredients require minimal prep, letting you spend more quality time with your loved ones around the dinner table.

Serving Suggestions

While the Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a stand-alone dish, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the meal experience. A crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables can add a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy casserole. Offering a side of garlic bread can also complement the meal, providing a satisfying crunchy element.

For those looking to bring a little spice to the table, consider serving the casserole with a tangy salsa or a dollop of sour cream. These additions can enhance the flavors of the dish and make it a more interactive dining experience. Don't forget beverages; a chilled soda or a robust iced tea can be the perfect refreshment.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. Top with the frozen tater tots and remaining cheddar cheese.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers from this delicious casserole, you're in luck! Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

For those planning ahead, you can even prepare the casserole a day in advance! Assemble the dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This way, you will save yourself a significant amount of time on a busy day while still serving a warm, delicious meal.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional aspects of your meal is essential, especially when serving a family. This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole combines proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into one comforting dish. By using lean ground beef and low-fat sour cream, you can manage the calorie content while still enjoying the indulgent flavors.

Adding vegetables can further enhance the nutritional value of this dish. Consider incorporating spinach, bell peppers, or even broccoli. This will increase fiber and essential vitamins, making your casserole not only tasty but also a more balanced meal for your family.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines crispy tater tots with creamy cheese sauce and seasoned ground beef for a family-friendly meal. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy one-pan dish that delivers loads of flavor and heartiness, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Serve it with your favorite sides for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time1 hour

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  3. 1 cup sour cream
  4. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  5. 1 bag frozen tater tots
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 04

Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. Top with the frozen tater tots and remaining cheddar cheese.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 20g