Savory Family-Loved Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty cheesy tater tot casserole that promises to satisfy every craving.

Ground beef provides a savory base for this classic dish packed with cheesy goodness.

Crispy golden tater tots create a delightful crust that seals in rich flavors and textures.

Layers of melted cheese and tender meat make this casserole a weeknight dinner champion.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, ensuring a stress-free meal preparation.

Every bite delivers a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and satisfying elements.

Gather around the table and watch as this crowd-pleasing casserole becomes an instant family favorite.

Why Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Hits the Spot

• A simple, one-pan meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum satisfaction with classic ingredients everyone loves.
• Combines crispy tater tots, cheesy goodness, and hearty ground beef into a single dish that delights both children and adults with its familiar, tasty flavors.
• Perfect for busy families needing a fast, filling meal that comes together with minimal fuss and delivers satisfying results every single time.
• Allows easy ingredient swaps and modifications, letting home cooks experiment with different meats, cheese varieties, or additional seasonings to match their taste preferences.

Ingredients in Tater Tot Casserole

• Ground Beef: The hearty base of the casserole that provides rich flavor and protein.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Creates a deliciously melty layer that adds tangy richness to the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Brings a creamy, smooth texture that binds the ingredients together.

• Tater Tots, Seasoned Salt: Crispy potato topping that provides a golden crown with extra flavor to the dish.

Cooking Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Cooking Station

Set your oven to a warm 350°F.

Grab a 9×9 baking dish and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle Ground Beef

• Ground beef
• Diced onions

Stir continuously over medium heat until the beef turns brown and onions become soft and translucent.

The meat should look perfectly cooked with no pink remaining.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Transfer the beef and onion mixture into the baking dish.

Spread it evenly across the bottom to create a hearty base.

Sprinkle seasoned salt over the meat to enhance its flavor profile.

Step 4: Create Cheese Layer

Generously scatter sharp cheddar cheese over the meat.

Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface for maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Pour Creamy Sauce

Spread cream of chicken soup over the cheese layer.

Don’t mix – just ensure an even coating that will create a rich, creamy texture.

Step 6: Top with Crispy Potatoes

Arrange tater tots in a single, neat layer across the top of the casserole.

Sprinkle additional seasoned salt over the tots to boost their flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until the tots turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of crispy tots, melted cheese, and savory beef.

Tips for Creamy Tater Tot Casserole

• Remove excess grease from ground beef for a less greasy casserole, but keep a small amount for enhanced flavor and moisture.
• Opt for sharp cheddar to add depth and tanginess, or experiment with a cheese blend for more complex taste profiles.
• Arrange tots in a single layer without overlap to ensure maximum crispiness and even browning during baking.
• Don't shy away from seasoned salt; it elevates the overall taste and brings out the rich flavors of beef and cheese.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal preparation strategy.

Storing Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole flat to maintain its layers and texture.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the tater tots.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the casserole is steaming hot throughout.

Sides to Serve with Tater Tot Casserole

• Pair Comfort with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cheesy tater tot casserole, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty beef and creamy layers.
• Boost Flavor with Tangy Side Salad: Create a zesty green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the casserole's heavy texture, adding brightness and lightness to the meal.
• Match with Robust Red Beer: Choose a malty amber ale or brown ale that complements the savory beef and stands up to the cheesy, crispy elements of the dish.
• Complement with Pickled Vegetables: Serve quick-pickled cucumber or tangy pickled onions to provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint that helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Variations on Tater Tot Casserole Dishes

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with lentils or black beans for a protein-packed meat-free version. Top with vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup to maintain moisture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tater tots and substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade cream sauce made from cornstarch, milk, and chicken broth. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tater tots with cauliflower florets or zucchini rounds. Use lean ground turkey instead of beef and add extra cheese for richness. Choose a low-carb cream soup or make a homemade version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles to the beef mixture. Sprinkle pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Top with sliced jalapeños before the final baking stage for an extra kick of heat.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a lean alternative. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before layering in the casserole.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or use black beans and corn for a hearty vegetarian version.

• What if I don't have cream of chicken soup?

Cream of mushroom soup is an excellent substitute. You can also use cream of celery or make a homemade white sauce as a replacement.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this cheesy tater tot casserole, a hearty Midwestern classic that promises warmth and satisfaction. Crispy golden tots crowned with melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners and potluck gatherings you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can of cream of chicken soup

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 0.5 pounds (227 grams) frozen tater tots
• 0.25 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 0.25 teaspoon seasoned salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s ready for the casserole’s arrival.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onions until meat browns and onions soften, approximately 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Transfer beef and onion mixture to a 9×9 casserole dish, spreading evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half the seasoned salt over the meat.
4. Distribute sharp cheddar cheese uniformly across the meat layer, creating a rich base.
5. Gently spread cream of chicken soup over the cheese, ensuring complete coverage without mixing the layers.
6. Arrange tater tots in a single, neat layer across the soup. Sprinkle remaining seasoned salt over the tots.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, trapping moisture and allowing flavors to meld.
8. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until tater tots turn golden brown and crispy.
9. Allow casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from oven to stabilize the layers. Serve hot, enjoying the crisp tots and melted cheese.

Notes

• Keep meat lean by using ground turkey or chicken for a healthier twist on the classic recipe.
• Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain a clean, appetizing texture.
• For gluten-free options, verify cream of chicken soup ingredients and use certified gluten-free tater tots.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 919 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg