Crispy Tater Tot Casserole: A Homestyle Dinner Recipe (Print Version)
Warm, crispy, and utterly satisfying, this tater tot casserole recipe is pure comfort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a nostalgic family meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 preferred)
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
05 -
1/2 cup whole milk
06 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
08 -
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
→ Seasoning Staples
09 -
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
10 -
1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
11 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
→ Optional Add-ins
12 -
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
13 -
A dash of hot sauce for a kick
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, first things first, grab your biggest skillet and get it heating over medium-high. Toss in that ground beef and break it up with a spoon. While it's browning, chop your onion and mince your garlic. Once the beef is mostly cooked through, drain off any excess fat—seriously, don't skip this, I learned that the hard way! Then, throw in your chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and you can smell that amazing garlic aroma. This is where the magic starts to build, hon.
02 -
Now, for the heart of our tater tot casserole! Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in that can of cream of mushroom soup, add the milk, and a good splash of Worcestershire sauce. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and bubbly. Season with a generous pinch of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Taste it here, adjusting as needed. You want it flavorful! I always give it a little taste test, and sometimes I add a bit more pepper, just because I like that kick. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
03 -
Once your sauce is tasting just right, stir about half of your shredded cheddar cheese into the beef and sauce mixture. It'll get all melty and glorious! Now, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish (or whatever large casserole dish you have, honestly, I've used all sorts). Pour the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. It should look rich and inviting. This is the base, so make sure it's spread out nicely. I sometimes make a little mess here, but it’s all part of the fun, right?
04 -
This is the fun part! Take those frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single, even layer over the beef mixture. Don't thaw them, remember? Straight from the freezer! I like to line them up neatly, but sometimes I just haphazardly toss them on. Either way, they’ll get wonderfully crispy. Make sure the entire top is covered; that's what gives us that golden, crunchy crust we all adore in a good tater tot casserole. It's truly a sight to behold, like little golden nuggets waiting to happen!
05 -
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. This extra layer of cheese is what creates that irresistible, bubbly, golden-brown crust. It's a little extra, but so worth it for that cheesy pull. I mean, can you ever have too much cheese in a casserole? I think not! This is where you can really see your delicious tater tot casserole coming to life.
06 -
Pop your beautiful casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and melted. You want those tots to look like they just came out of a fryer, honestly! The whole kitchen will smell incredible. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—it helps everything set up and keeps you from burning your tongue, which I've done way too many times!
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain the beef well after browning; excess grease makes for a watery casserole, a mistake I made once!
02 -
Reheating in the oven at 300°F (150°C) is best for crispy leftovers, avoid the microwave if possible.
03 -
Ground turkey or sausage works well if you're out of beef; I tried turkey once, and it was a lighter take.
04 -
Serve with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness, it's a perfect balance!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
large skillet
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 25-35g