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Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Easy Crispy Cheesy Comfort Food

tater tot casserole recipe - featured image

A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring crispy tater tots, melty sharp cheddar cheese, and savory ground beef in a creamy filling. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken/celery)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  5. Fold the cooked beef mixture into the creamy filling. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Spread the beef and cream mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
  7. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Do not thaw.
  8. Bake uncovered on the middle rack for 35-40 minutes, until tots are golden brown and crispy and filling is bubbling.
  9. Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tots. Return to oven for another 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  10. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not thaw tater tots before baking to keep them crispy. Drain excess beef fat to avoid sogginess. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for easier cutting. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Assemble ahead and refrigerate overnight; add 10 minutes to baking time if baking cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, ground beef casserole, crispy tater tots