There’s something timeless and comforting about pulling a warm, bubbly casserole out of the oven—especially when it involves layers of creamy beef, golden crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese. This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is the kind of weeknight dinner that disappears as quickly as it comes together. It’s hearty, satisfying, kid-approved, and just the right mix of nostalgic and practical.

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this one-dish wonder checks all the boxes. And the best part? It uses simple pantry and freezer staples you probably already have on hand.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: Minimal prep and no complicated techniques—just cook, layer, and bake.
Crowd-pleaser: This cheesy, savory casserole is loved by both picky eaters and hearty appetites.
Freezer-friendly: Make it ahead and freeze it for a fast dinner solution.
Customizable: Swap the beef for turkey or add veggies to make it your own.
Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a group.

You get all the creamy, cheesy, savory goodness with very little effort. What’s not to love?

Ingredients

Tip: You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft—about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease to avoid a soggy casserole.

In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.

Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer—no need to thaw them first.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.

Garnish with chopped green onions if you’d like, then serve hot.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap the meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Make it spicy: Add chopped green chiles or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Add veggies: Stir in a handful of frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Use different soup: Cream of chicken or celery also works well in place of mushroom.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cream soup and confirm your tots are gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

You can also freeze the fully baked casserole. Let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots?

Nope! They go on straight from the freezer and bake up beautifully golden and crisp.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. After baking, let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Swap the beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked lentils. Make sure your soup base is vegetarian, too.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! It’s easy to double—just use two baking dishes and rotate them halfway through baking.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead?

Not recommended. The beauty of tater tots is their pre-cooked, crispy texture. Fresh potatoes would need extra prep and might not crisp up the same way.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend would also be delicious.

Is this kid-friendly?

Definitely! Most kids love tater tots, cheese, and creamy beef—it’s a comfort food trifecta.

Can I add more seasoning?

Of course! Feel free to tweak the flavor with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce.