It’s cheesy, it’s meaty and packed with Tater Tots! Say hello to our easy Tater Tot casserole recipe, a riff on a Minnesota hot dish with meat, creamy condensed soup and a layer of golden tots and cheese. This next-level comfort food dinner takes just two easy steps to make.
Like all of our best casseroles, you already probably have the key ingredients in your kitchen. A true hot dish usually incorporates corn or another simple vegetable, which you can easily add to this meaty Tater Tot casserole. But let’s be honest, all Tater Tot recipes worth their salt are all about those tots! The casserole is finished with a heavy hand of cheddar cheese, which melts over everything, creating a cheese-smothered situation that is not to be missed.
Keep this recipe for Tater Tot casserole handy for those busy weeknights when everyone’s getting to the dinner table at different times. Just mix, bake and serve.
Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole
- Ground meat: Use ground beef for a heartier version or ground turkey for a slightly leaner version. Either way, let the meat cook so you get a nice brown crust on it.
- Onion: The best types of onion to use for this dish are yellow or white onions, although red onion is fine, too. Make sure to use a sharp knife to cut it up, which will prevent it from stinging your eyes too much. Here are a few more tips on how to cut onions without crying.
- Tater Tots: Why mess with the best? Only use store-bought frozen tots for this meal. You can cook them straight from frozen, no need to thaw them beforehand.
- Soup: Like many of our favorite casserole recipes, this one calls for a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. The soup works with the milk to make a sort of bechamel sauce—a thick and creamy base for the casserole.
- Milk: The milk is important for loosening up the condensed soup, and helping provide the right thickness for the sauce. You can use any type of milk if you don’t have 2%, or use water or broth instead.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is the perfect melty topping for this dish. Grate it yourself or buy pre-grated to save a step (and a dish).
Directions
Step 1: Cook the meat
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, cook the beef and onions over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off the oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Combine and cook
Transfer the beef and onions to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Top with an even layer of Tater Tots, making sure they go all the way out to the edges of the pan. Combine the condensed soup and the milk and give it a good whisk before pouring over the potatoes. Sprinkle the top with cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes or until it is fully heated through, and the cheese melts on top.
Recipe Variations
- Add other flavors: This is an easy casserole to play around with the flavors. Add homemade taco seasoning mix to the ground beef for a taco-inspired casserole. Or give it a little kick by adding a minced jalapeno to the beef and onions. Green hatch chiles would also be a delicious addition, giving it a Southwestern vibe.
- Try it with cream of chicken soup: If mushroom isn’t your thing, use a can of condensed cream of chicken soup instead. You’ll add more protein and still get the same creamy sauce you’re looking for.
- Change up the cheeses: This Tater Tot casserole loves its cheese, the meltier the better! Try it with different cheeses: pepper jack cheese for a little kick, a pungent aged Gruyere for a mac and cheese vibe or a young Gouda for a slightly sweeter cheese. It’s also great to mix cheeses, like adding a stinkier cheese to a milder cheese for a little variation.
- Get your veggies in: I love to get vegetables into my meals however possible. Green beans are a casserole favorite, either canned beans, frozen or fresh ones that have been quickly steamed. Wilted kale or spinach are always easy additions, and even some sauteed broccoli or cauliflower florets would go well here.
How to Store Tater Tot Casserole
Store your Tater Tot casserole covered in the fridge for up to five days. Just pop it in the oven to reheat, or microwave individual portions.
Can you freeze a Tater Tot casserole?
Casseroles are notoriously great for freezing. Once it’s fully cooled you can store it whole, tightly wrapped, or in individual portions in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat in the oven or microwave. Enjoy within three months.
Tater Tot Casserole Tips
What can you serve with a Tater Tot casserole?
Our Tater Tot casserole doesn’t include vegetables other than chopped onions, so any vegetable side dish recipes 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 a simple side dish dipped in ketchup. But don’t limit this freezer-friendly potato staple to a dinnertime sidekick. Incorporate it into other dishes, like nachos (aka tot-chos), which are basically loaded Tater Tots, breakfast dishes and casseroles.
