Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef warms the kitchen and fills the house with a cozy, homey smell. This easy bake blends savory browned beef, soft veggies, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots into one pan — perfect for busy weeknights or a slow Sunday supper. If you like simple comfort food, you might also enjoy a similar take on the dish from my other post, classic tater tot casserole recipe for more ideas.
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Most of the hands-on work takes 15–20 minutes.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love the crunchy tots and warm, cheesy center.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ground beef and pantry staples for a filling meal.
- One-Dish Comfort: Little cleanup and big comfort — the whole meal bakes in one pan.
This recipe stands out because the sauce stays creamy while the top stays nicely browned and crisp. It brings comfort and a little nostalgia — like a warm hug after a long day. If you like casseroles with simple swaps, try a hobo-style casserole for a different twist.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), thawed
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the creamy sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk (or beef broth for richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For the topping:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots, frozen (do not thaw)
- 1–2 tbsp butter, melted (optional, for extra browning)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Helpful notes:
- Use lean ground beef to cut excess grease.
- If you prefer, swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce.
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Preheating lets the tater tots crisp up quickly.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant — this builds flavor.
- Stir in the thawed mixed vegetables. Cook 1–2 minutes to warm them through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Lower the heat and mix in the condensed soup, milk, and half the shredded cheddar. Stir until smooth and slightly thick. Taste and adjust seasoning. The sauce should be creamy, not runny.
- Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula so the tots sit flat.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture. If you like a richer top, brush the tots lightly with melted butter. This helps them turn golden.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the tots are golden and the filling bubbles around the edges. If the tops need more color, broil for 1–2 minutes—watch closely.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the hot tots. Let the casserole rest 5 minutes so it sets slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Serve scoops straight from the dish onto warm plates; the contrast of crunchy tots and creamy center is comforting.
- Add a simple side salad or steamed green beans to cut the richness.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a fresh color pop.
How to Store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Fridge: Cool completely, cover tightly with foil or store in an airtight container, and refrigerate up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave (2–3 minutes) or reheat a full dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Don’t thaw the tots — keeping them frozen helps them crisp in the oven.
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent a watery filling.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking so it firms up for cleaner serving.
- For extra flavor, brown beef with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Use a metal baking dish if you want a quicker browning of the tots.
Variation
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for 2 cups cooked lentils or a plant-based crumbled meat, and use vegetable broth.
- Gluten-free: Check canned soup label or use a homemade gluten-free white sauce to keep the casserole GF.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well and reduces fat. Brown it the same way and adjust seasoning, as turkey is milder in flavor.
How do I make the filling less runny?
Squeeze out excess liquid from thawed vegetables and drain browned meat well. Let the casserole rest after baking so the sauce thickens.
Can I assemble ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to bake time if going straight from cold.
Conclusion
This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef feels like a warm bowl of home: the scent of browned meat and onions, the creamy center, and the crisp, golden tater tots on top. It’s simple to make, friendly on the wallet, and perfect for nights when you want comfort without fuss. If you want another take on a classic tater tot bake, check out The BEST Tater Tot Casserole – Mom On Timeout for more ideas and inspiration. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — and share it on Pinterest or Facebook so others can find an easy family dinner. What twist did you try? Let us know below!
Print
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy and easy casserole dish that combines savory ground beef, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), thawed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk (or beef broth for richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots, frozen (do not thaw)
- 1–2 tbsp butter, melted (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the thawed mixed vegetables and cook for 1–2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix in the condensed soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar until smooth and thick. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Spread the beef and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with a single layer of frozen tater tots.
- Optionally brush the tots with melted butter for extra browning.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and the filling bubbles. Broil for 1–2 minutes for more color if necessary.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Use lean ground beef to cut excess grease. Consider swapping cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg