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Tater Tots Casserole Recipe

Tater Tots Casserole

Tater Tots Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese layered with a creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this easy and customizable dish is hearty, satisfying, and universally loved.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 475 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey for a leaner option
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz, or use cream of chicken
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots 32 oz
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add cream of mushroom soup and milk to the skillet. Stir until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer for a few minutes.
  • Spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly in a baking dish. Arrange frozen tater tots on top in a single layer.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes or until tater tots are golden and cheese is bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and low-fat cheese. Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrients. Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or pepper jack cheese. This dish can be prepped a day ahead or frozen for later use.
Keyword cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, tater tots casserole