Go Back
cheesy tater tot casserole

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

This cheesy tater tot casserole is a deeply satisfying, one-pan meal that’s incredibly easy to whip up for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Its simple assembly and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a go-to recipe for delicious comfort food everyone will adore.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream optional, for extra creaminess
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 bag (16 ounces) frozen tater tots
Optional toppings
  • cooked bacon bits Optional topping
  • chopped chives Optional topping
  • extra cheese Optional topping

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
  2. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    1 pound ground beef or ground turkey, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. If you're using sour cream for extra richness, stir it in now. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
    1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  4. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese for the topping. Stir the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese into the meat and sauce mixture. Stir until the cheese is mostly melted and the mixture is well combined.
    1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  5. Pour the meat and sauce mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture, ensuring they cover it as completely as possible. You can gently nestle them in to create a solid topping.
    1 bag (16 ounces) frozen tater tots
  7. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
    1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with optional toppings like bacon bits or chopped chives if desired.
    cooked bacon bits, chopped chives, extra cheese

Notes

This casserole stores and reheats beautifully. For freezing, assemble but do not bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.