Easy Tatertot Casserole – Cheesy 5-Ingredient Dinner

This Easy Tatertot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that comes together with just a handful of pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

With a crispy golden top of tater tots and a savory, creamy beef filling, this casserole is pure nostalgia in a dish. It's simple enough for beginner cooks yet delicious enough to serve at potlucks and family gatherings.

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef

Use 80/20 for flavor, or ground turkey for a lighter option. Substitute with cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.

1 small onion, diced

Adds savory depth. Use 1 teaspoon onion powder if you're out of fresh onions.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) condensed cream of mushroom soup

Classic choice; try cream of chicken or cheddar for a twist. For homemade, see note.

1/2 cup (120g) sour cream

Adds creaminess. Use plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. Colby or Monterey Jack also work well.

1 bag (32 oz / 907g) frozen tater tots

Use regular or crispy tots. You'll need about 40-50 to cover the dish.

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Season the beef mixture well; the tots and soup add saltiness, so taste before adding.

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For garnish, adds color and freshness. Skip if you don't have it.

Tips & Tricks

• Don't thaw the tater tots – they should go in frozen to stay crisp on top.
• Brown the beef well and drain excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Cook Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

3. Combine Filling

Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until well combined and creamy.

4. Transfer to Dish

Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

5. Arrange Tater Tots

Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture, covering it completely.

6. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tots.

7. Bake Casserole

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the tots are golden brown and crispy. If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

8. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if using.

Delicious Variations

Vegetarian

Replace beef with a can of drained black beans or a meatless crumble.

Loaded

Add cooked bacon bits and a sprinkle of green onions before baking.

Tex-Mex

Season the beef with taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, and top with salsa or jalapeños.

How to Store Tatertot Casserole Recipe Easy

Frequently Asked Questions

If you've tried this Easy Tatertot Casserole, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, share a photo on social media, and tag me so I can see your delicious creation. Happy cooking!

Tatertot Casserole Recipe Easy

Easy Tatertot Casserole with ground beef, cheese, and crispy tots – a comforting one-pan dinner ready in 50 minutes.

★★★★½ 4.8 (247 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings385 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 bag (32 oz / 907g) frozen tater tots
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. 2Cook Beef Mixture — In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. 3Combine Filling — Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until well combined and creamy.
4. 4Transfer to Dish — Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. 5Arrange Tater Tots — Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture, covering it completely.
6. 6Top with Cheese — Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tots.
7. 7Bake Casserole — Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the tots are golden brown and crispy. If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
8. 8Rest and Serve — Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if using.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For a homemade cream of mushroom soup substitute, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, then slowly add 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms. Cook until thickened.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Casserole

Nutrition (per serving): 385 kcal · 18g protein · 28g carbs · 22g fat