Simple And Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

I often return to my Easy Tater Tot Casserole for a satisfying dinner creation. Ground beef and onion pair perfectly with a medley of cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. A layer of crispy frozen tater tots crowns the dish, making it an blend of hearty flavors.

I’m always up for a fast dinner recipe that doesn’t overcomplicate things and this tater tot casserole nails it every time. I start by browning 1 lb of ground beef with a chopped medium onion, seasoning it with just enough salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.

After that, I mix in a can of cream of mushroom soup, a bit of sour cream and some shredded cheddar cheese to get a rich and savory base. Then, I layer a bag of frozen tater tots on top, which cooks to a nice crisp finish in the oven.

I love how this dish combines the hearty taste of ground beef with the crunch of tater tots making it one of my favorite go-to recipes. It’s an easy casserole that feels fresh and satisfying without needing a ton of extra ingredients or time.

Enjoy making it for a quick, delicious meal any night of the week.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to whip together on a busy night and it always tastes homemade, like something everybody craves.
I love how the creamy mushroom soup and sour cream mix with the ground beef and onion to make a yummy, comforting filling.
The crispy tater tots on top add that perfect crunch which makes every bite exciting and different from just a regular casserole.
And lastly, the blend of cheddar cheese both in the meat mixture and on top gives it a rich, cheesy flavor that I just cant get enough of.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: Rich in protein, adds savory flavor, though a bit fatty sometimes.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides fiber and sweetness, enhancing dish aroma.
• Salt, to taste: Boosts flavor instantly in every bite.
• Pepper, to taste: Adds slight heat and overall flavor punch.
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Provides creaminess and earthy mushroom flavor, though it’s salty.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Offers tanginess and smooth richness, balancing flavors well.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings protein and extra cheesy flavor, adds depth.
• 1 bag frozen tater tots: Supplies carbs and a crunchy texture, making dish satisfying.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided, some for mixing in and some for topping)
• 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a casserole dish lightly.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion gets soft; add salt and pepper as you go.

3. Drain the grease from the skillet then return it to the heat.

4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.

5. Pour the meat mixture into your greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

6. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the meat mixture in a single, even layer.

7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.

8. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tots are crispy and the cheese is nicely melted.

9. Once it’s done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty tater tot casserole!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – This is needed to preheat to 375°F and bake the casserole.
2. Casserole dish – A light greased, oven-safe dish that evenly holds and cooks the meat mixture and tots.
3. Large skillet – Used to cook and brown the ground beef with the chopped onion.
4. Cutting board and knife – Essential for chopping the onion and other ingredients accurately.
5. Spatula or large spoon – For stirring the meat and onion mixture as well as combining the soup, sour cream, and cheese.
6. Measuring cup – Needed to measure out the sour cream and, if required, any other liquid ingredients accurately.
7. Can opener – Required to safely open the cream of mushroom soup can.

FAQ

Simple And Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have ground beef you can use ground turkey or even ground chicken as a leaner alternative
• If you’re out of a medium onion you can substitute a small onion or a couple of shallots to keep the flavor in the mix
• Instead of cream of mushroom soup try making a simple homemade version with mushrooms, cream, and a little flour or you could use cream of celery soup if that’s what you have
• If you’re looking to swap out sour cream you can use Greek yogurt which gives you that tangy flavor but might be a slightly healthier choice
• For the shredded cheddar cheese, you can experiment with pepper jack or Colby jack cheese to add a different taste profile to your casserole

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to drain the grease really well after cooking the beef and onions so that the mix isn’t too oily which can make the casserole soggy later on.
2. If you like your dish a bit spicier or with extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder and maybe a little more salt and pepper when you cook the meat its an easy way to boost the taste.
3. Spread the tater tots evenly on top of the meat layer so each tot gets crispy, if they’re bunched together some might not get as crunchy.
4. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes after pulling it out of the oven, it helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.