Tater Tot Casserole (Ground Beef & Cheddar)

What Makes This Recipe Work

Browning the beef and simmering it with the sauce builds flavor before the casserole ever hits the oven. Arranging the tater tots in a single layer lets them crisp on top instead of steaming under a pile.

Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole (Ground Beef & Cheddar)

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus black pepper to taste
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed (optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 32 oz (900 g) frozen tater tots
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for serving (optional)

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole (Ground Beef & Cheddar)

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart, for 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains; drain off the fat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook 4 minutes until softened, then stir in the Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the soup, milk, and corn and simmer 2 minutes until the mixture is evenly combined and bubbling.
5. Spread the beef mixture in the baking dish and sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar over the top.
6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, packing them fairly close so the top is fully covered.
7. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the tots are golden and crisp and the filling bubbles at the edges.
8. Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top and bake 5 minutes more, until melted, then garnish with parsley if using.

Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole (Ground Beef & Cheddar)

• Resist stirring once the dish is assembled; keep the tots on top so they crisp rather than soak.
• For extra-crisp tots, bake on the upper-middle rack and broil the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.
• Salt the beef mixture lightly, then taste before baking, since the soup and cheese add seasoning.

Variations and Substitutions

• From-scratch sauce: melt 2 tbsp butter, whisk in 2 tbsp flour, then add 1 cup milk and 1/2 cup broth and simmer until thick instead of the canned soup.
• Swap the corn for frozen green beans or mixed vegetables.
• Use ground turkey in place of the beef for a lighter version.
• Add a layer of squash casserole or broccoli casserole alongside for a vegetable on the plate.

How to Store and Reheat

• Covered leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat at 350 degrees F (175 C) until hot, about 20 minutes, or in the microwave in single portions.
• To freeze, assemble without the tots, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months; add the tots before baking from frozen and add 10 to 15 minutes to the time.

Tater Tot Casserole (Ground Beef & Cheddar) FAQ