Classic Tater Tot Casserole | Simple, Hearty, and Crowd-Pleasing
Classic Tater Tot Casserole is one of my family’s all-time favorite comfort food dinners. It’s easy, hearty, budget-friendly, and comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. If you grew up eating this nostalgic dish, you already know—it brings back all the warm, cozy childhood memories. And if you didn’t grow up on it? Well, you’re in for a treat.
One thing I absolutely love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can keep it classic just like this version, or add your own twist by switching up the protein, veggies, or seasonings. No matter how you make it, this is one of those meals that always hits the spot and feeds a crowd with very little effort.
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Equipment You’ll Need
- Cutting board & knife for dicing the onion
- Cheese grater for shredding the cheddar
- Frying pan or skillet & spatula for browning the beef
- 9×13 glass baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables (or 8–10 oz if you prefer fewer veggies)
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
How to Make Classic Tater Tot Casserole (Step-By-Step)
1. Preheat your oven
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.
2. Brown the beef and onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and no longer pink and the onion has softened—about 5–7 minutes. If needed, drain the grease to avoid an overly oily casserole.
3. Build the creamy, flavorful base
Stir in minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. This combination creates the rich, savory sauce that coats the beef and gives this casserole its classic creamy texture. Mix until everything is fully combined.
4. Add the veggies and cheese
Fold in the frozen mixed veggies and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 oz). You don’t need to thaw the veggies first—just cook for a minute or two to take off the chill and help everything blend smoothly.
5. Transfer to your baking dish and top with tater tots
Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Then arrange the frozen tater tots across the top in a single layer. The crispy tots act as the “crust” of the casserole, so take a moment to make sure they are spread out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top.
6. Bake to golden perfection
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden, crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. That’s how you know it’s ready!
7. Let it rest and serve
Rest the casserole for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes scooping easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if you want a pop of color.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Tater Tot Casserole
- Quick and easy — Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast.
- Kid-friendly — Everyone loves crispy tater tots and creamy filling!
- Budget-friendly — Uses pantry staples and stretches to feed 6–8 people.
- Customizable — Swap the veggies, change the cheese, or try turkey instead of beef.
- Nostalgic comfort food — It brings back the best childhood memories with every bite.
Other Family-Favorite Casseroles
If you love this easy, hearty casserole, here are a few more cozy, comforting recipes your family will enjoy:
Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you! If you try this Classic Tater Tot Casserole, leave a comment below and let me know how your family liked it. Do you keep it classic or add your own twist? Share your favorite way to make it!
📌 And don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can make it again later.
Enjoy this cozy, satisfying meal! 💛
Classic Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables or 8-10 oz if you prefer fewer veggies
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is softened, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream until well combined.
- Fold in the mixed veggies and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with tater tots and remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the tots are golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Veggie swap: Corn, peas, carrots, green beans — any combo works.
- Cheese upgrade: Use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight; bake the next day.
- Storage: Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge; reheat at 350°F for best texture.
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