Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavor. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or need something easy to please the whole family, this Layered Tater Tot Casserole delivers every time. It’s one of those Casserole Tater Tot Recipes that’s hearty, satisfying, and can be customized to fit any taste or pantry staples.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- Family favorite: Kids and adults love this classic Tot Casserole Recipe.
- Quick and easy: Simple prep and short baking time.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or Easy Weeknight Dinners.
- Comforting and filling: Every bite is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen Tater Tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Layer frozen Tater Tots evenly over the beef mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the Tater Tots are crispy and golden.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake for 5 more minutes until melted.
- Serve hot with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Slow Cooker Method
To make Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef, layer the same ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until the tots are tender and the cheese is melted. This Tator Tot Crockpot Recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hands-off dinner that still tastes amazing.
Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole
- Use cream of chicken soup for a lighter, smoother flavor.
- Add chopped bacon or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Try Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for different cheesy textures.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with a side of Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup or a crisp green salad. It also pairs perfectly with Garlic Butter Shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist. This Best Tator Tot Casserole Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, making it one of the Best Tator Tot Casserole Ever dishes for potlucks or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and crispy. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months for easy meal prep.
FAQs
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Frozen peas, corn, or green beans work great in this casserole.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Substitute the beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready to serve.
More to Try
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Creamy Ground Beef Skillet
- Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
- Best Fall Dinner Recipes
- Easy 10-Minute Meatloaf
Conclusion
This Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is proof that simple ingredients can make an unforgettable meal. Whether you choose the oven-baked version or the slow-cooked Tator Tot Crockpot Casserole, it’s guaranteed to satisfy every craving. Creamy, crispy, and cheesy — this is comfort food done right and one of the Best Tator Tot Casserole Ever recipes to add to your dinner rotation.
Print
Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavor. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or need something easy to please the whole family, this Layered Tater Tot Casserole delivers every time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen Tater Tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Layer frozen Tater Tots evenly over the beef mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the Tater Tots are crispy and golden.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake for 5 more minutes until melted.
- Serve hot with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Notes
To make this in a slow cooker, layer the same ingredients and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. For extra flavor, add chopped bacon or jalapeños. Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby. Broil for 2–3 minutes before serving for a crispy top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: tater tot casserole, easy weeknight dinners, ground beef, comfort food