Quick Tater Tots Bake

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 30 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Aug. 24, 2023
I like to make this Tater Tot casserole when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13x9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California

Ingredients

  • 3/4 to 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 package (16 ounces) frozen Tater Tots
  • 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
  • 2/3 cup 2% milk or water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Top with Tater Tots. Combine soup and milk; pour over potatoes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes or until heated through.

Quick Tater Tots Bake Tips

Where did Tater Tot casserole come from?

Tater Tot casserole—aka "Hot Dish" to Minnesotans—has its roots in the Midwest. It’s most famous in Minnesota where it’s said to have originated, but its popularity has spread to neighboring states as well as other regions of the U.S. Here are more tips on how to make an authentic hot dish as well as our most popular hot dish recipes.

Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom?

Yes! You can replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for equally good, if not identical, results. The flavor profile might be slightly different, but the consistency will be the same. Here are more recipes that start with a can of condensed soup.

What goes well with Tater Tot casserole?

Traditional Tater Tot casserole typically doesn’t include vegetables, except chopped onions, so a healthy veggie side dish would pair perfectly. A fresh side salad is another light and tasty option. You can also serve warm dinner rolls as a complement to this comforting casserole, especially on a cold night.

What else can I make with Tater Tots?

The humble Tater Tot is usually enjoyed as simple side dish dipped in ketchup. But don’t limit this freezer-friendly potato staple as a dinnertime sidekick. Incorporate it into other dishes—such as nachos (aka totchos), breakfast dishes and casseroles. Here are our top Tater Tot recipes.


Research contributed by Amy Glander, Taste of Home Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 570 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.