Classic Tater Tot Casserole

This classic tater tot casserole is a one-pan dish packed with flavor! It’s easy to make and makes the best leftovers! Make sure to try my tuna noodle casserole next!

This is such an easy meal to put together because most of the ingredients are store-bought. All you have to do is season and brown the ground beef and then put the casserole together; it’s that easy!

Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole

• It’s budget-friendly and feeds a crowd.
• It contains meat, potatoes, and veggies making it a complete meal.
• You can adjust this recipe to your liking for example if you don’t like corn and peas, add broccoli or green beans instead.
• A midwest classic.

Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef – I used 90/10 ground beef, if you use 80/20 ground beef, make sure to discard some of the grease.
• Tater Tots – They can be found in the frozen section of your local grocery store. Make sure you don’t thaw them. There’s no need to thaw the tater tots, just make sure to separate them if they’re stuck together.
• Spices – I used Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and granulated onion. Feel free to use taco seasoning or the spices of your choice.
• Veggies – Most people use green beans for this recipe but I prefer a combination of green peas and corn. I like to use frozen veggies and always avoid canned veggies. However, if you’re using canned veggies, make sure to drain completely.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup – The creamy base of the casserole, feel free to substitute with different flavors such as cream of chicken soup or cream of celery.
• Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup – If your grocery store doesn’t carry it, feel free to use two cans of cream of mushroom instead.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Completely optional but adds amazing flavor!
• Cheese – I used mild and sharp cheddar cheese but feel free to use any type of shredded soft cheese.

How To Make

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Add the ground beef to a large oven-safe skillet, break it up, and cook for 7-8 minutes or until browned completely.
3. Stir in the onions and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, granulated onion, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese soup, cream of mushroom, peas, and corn. Mix until well combined, then use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, and then top it off with the shredded cheese.
5. Top the casserole with an even layer of frozen tater tots and then bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Top Tips and Substitutions

• Feel free to use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef.
• If you want to make this vegetarian, use a blend of veggies instead of beef.
• A friend or family member dislikes tater tots? Use mashed potatoes instead.

Storage

Allow any leftovers to cool completely then transfer to an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F. loosely covered with aluminum foil until warmed through.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time and Freeze It?

Yes, of course, freeze the tater tot casserole before baking. Wrap it with plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to consume, thaw completely, and then bake according to recipe instructions.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy…

• Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
• Southern Yellow Squash Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole
• Spinach and Goat Cheese Frittata Casserole

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