This is an easy tater tot casserole that my whole family loves.

Seasoned ground beef and veggies are mix with a quick and creamy sauce, and then baked under a layer of crispy tater tots.

dish of Classic Tater Tot Casserole

You’ll Be Making This On Repeat Because…

Tater tot casserole (aka tater tot hotdish) is a family pleasin’ comfort food kinda meal.

  • It tastes delicious – the whole family will love it.
  • Tater tot casserole is a budget-friendly meal.
  • Make ahead and bake when ready!
  • So many options for add-ins, swaps, and variations.
ingredients for tater tot casserole

Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole

  • Beef Use lean ground beef (80/20) which has just enough fat for flavor. Ground turkey or ground pork can be used in place.
  • Vegetables Use either mixed frozen veggies or chop your own vegetables. Try frozen or canned corn, peas, or green beans.
  • Sauce The sauce starts with condensed mushroom soup, milk, and a few spices.
  • Cheese Sharp cheddar is my favorite choice for flavor.

Variations

  • Swap the mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup, cream of celery, or even leftover gravy.
  • Change the seasonings based on what you have on hand. Italian seasoning and garlic powder are great additions.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

This tater tot casserole recipe is a family favorite recipe all year long.

  1. Brown the ground beef and onion. Drain any fat.
  2. Mix vegetables, soup, milk, seasonings, cooked beef, and shredded cheese.
  3. Spread the mixture in a casserole dish and top with cheese and tater tots.
  4. Bake (recipe below) until the sauce is bubbly and the tots are golden brown.

Make Ahead Meal

To freeze this tater tot casserole, line a casserole dish with parchment paper overhanging on each longer side. Assemble the casserole and freeze. Once frozen,gently lift the frozen casserole out of the dish and wrap it in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 4 months.

To bake, unwrap the frozen casserole and place it in the same casserole dish it was prepared in. Thaw in refrigerator over night and bake as directed.

cooked Easy Tater Tot Casserole in the pot

Storing Leftovers

  • Tater tot casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat portions in the microwave or the oven or air fryer for crispier tots.
  • Individual portions can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Favorite Casserole Recipes

Did you make this Tater Tot Casserole? Leave us a rating and a comment below! 

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taking a spoonful of Classic Tater Tot-Casserole
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Classic Tater Tot Casserole

Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with hearty ingredients, Tater Tot Casserole is comfort food at its finest!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6
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Ingredients  

  • 28 to 30 ounces frozen tater tots 1 bag
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables thawed, or fresh diced vegetables
  • 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 can
  • cup milk
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and onion until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
  • In a medium bowl, mix the thawed vegetables, soup, milk, seasonings, beef mixture, and ½ cup shredded cheese.
  • Spread the beef mixture into a 3qt or 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  • Top with tater tots and bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the tots are golden brown.

Notes

*If using fresh vegetables such as carrots and celery, they should be steamed or can be cooked in the frying pan along with the browned beef until tender.
Frozen vegetables should be thawed first. Any variation or mixture of vegetables can be added. 
Canned mushroom soup can be substituted with other “cream of” soups, gravy, or even a can of gravy or tomato soup.
Any size casserole dish can be used for this recipe. A deeper dish may need a little bit of extra cooking time.
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. If chilled from the fridge, it will require extra baking time.
5 from 120 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 606 | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 1326mg | Potassium: 939mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3492IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 337mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beef, Casserole, Dinner, Entree
Cuisine American
dish of Classic Tater Tot Casserole with a spoon and writing
easy cheesy Classic Tater Tot Casserole with writing
Classic Tater Tot Casserole in a dish with a spoon and title
Classic Tater Tot Casserole in the dish cooked and photo of taking a portion out of the dish with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. I made this tonight for the first time. It was OUTSTANDING! *I used defrosted frozen corn for vegetable. I will have this casserole in regular rotation now. Thank you for sharing it.5 stars

  2. Hi, if I need to half this recipe do you thin a 8×8 or 9×9 dish would be best?

    Thanks Holly!

    1. An 8×8 pan should work well for this half this recipe. I would love to hear how it turns out for you, Joyce!

  3. Dearest Holly, Thanks for all the easy and delicious recipes! My husband loved the tater tot casserole! Thanks again!5 stars

  4. My sister nudged me onto this site for recipes that were easy and delicious..
    I am super excited she did !
    Thank you for offering easy but homemade meals that are no fuss !5 stars

  5. This was so good and so easy to make and a huge hit in our house. Thank you so very much for this quick and easy recipe.5 stars

  6. Wow! How good and easy! This is a keeper. I will be trying this with chicken or turkey next time. Just added a little garlic powder. Thank you so much!

  7. Great! I hadn’t made a Tater Tot Casserole for decades and is perfect for Football Sunday! I used mushroom broth instead of milk and added peppers and bacon bit for flavor. Yummy!5 stars