Introduction

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. With crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.

A white rectangular dish filled with a layered casserole topped with evenly spaced golden brown tater tots arranged in neat rows. One empty section at the corner reveals three inner layers: the bottom layer is creamy white with a smooth texture, the middle layer has green vegetables mixed with browned ground meat, and the top inner layer shows melted bright orange cheddar cheese. The dish sits on a dark cloth with white circular patterns, and a wooden spoon with a round bowl shape lies in front of the dish. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (28oz) bag frozen tater tots (you will have some leftover)
1 lb ground beef
1/2 diced yellow onion
1 (10.75oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (14oz) can green beans (drained)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, drained green beans, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
Step 4: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. You don’t need to use the entire bag if it doesn’t fit.
Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 7: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty, cheesy casserole!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce along with Worcestershire sauce.
Swap green beans for corn or peas for a different vegetable twist.
Use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a richer taste.
If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. For best texture, avoid microwaving the whole casserole, as the tater tots may become soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered tater tot casserole. The top layer consists of evenly arranged golden brown, crispy tater tots in neat rows, covering the entire surface. Beneath the crispy tater tots is a rich layer of melted yellow cheddar cheese oozing slightly where a portion has been scooped out from the corner. Below the cheese, there is a creamy layer mixed with green vegetables and bits of browned ground meat. The casserole rests on a dark blue cloth with white circular patterns, and in front of the dish lies a wooden spoon with a natural grain texture. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned green beans?

Yes, fresh green beans steamed or lightly cooked work well. Use about 1 ½ cups and drain any excess moisture before mixing into the beef.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cooking from a cold state.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring crispy baked tater tots layered over a savory ground beef and onion mixture, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole combines creamy mushroom soup and tender green beans for a family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 (28oz) bag frozen tater tots (you will have some leftover)
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 (10.75oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (14oz) can green beans, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion. Break the meat apart and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, drained green beans, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Layer Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set slightly for easier portions.

Notes

For extra crispy tots, you can briefly bake them before layering in the casserole.
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
Adjust seasoning to taste; a pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: tater tot casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal