Description
Tater Tot Casserole is a golden, bubbly, crowd-pleasing comfort dish made of seasoned ground beef, creamy soup filling, and crispy tater tots layered with melted cheddar cheese. I love making it with ground chuck, sour cream, and freshly shredded cheddar for maximum flavor. It’s a simple, hearty recipe that’s perfect for snowy evenings, potlucks, or any day that needs a little warmth. Also called “Tater Tot Hotdish” in the Midwest, this version balances a creamy texture with a crispy top. I’ve tested both mushroom soup-only and sour cream blends—both work beautifully depending on your preference. Among casserole classics, Tater Tot Casserole stands out for its ease, texture contrast, and nostalgic charm. It’s reliable, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—definitely a must-have in any comfort food recipe lineup.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 bag (28 ounces) frozen tater tots
Butter or cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until mostly browned.
3. Add diced onions and cook until they soften and the beef is fully cooked.
4. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
5. Drain excess fat, then spoon the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with sour cream until smooth.
7. Spread the creamy mixture over the beef layer evenly.
8. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the creamy layer.
9. Arrange tater tots in even rows over the top of the casserole.
10. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the tater tots.
11. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and the casserole is bubbling.
12. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
Let the casserole rest before serving so the layers hold together.
For a veggie boost, add a layer of canned green beans or corn under the tater tots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Comfort Food, Hotdish