Layers of beef, veggies, melty cheese, and crispy golden tots make this tatertot casserole a true comfort food classic!
Why this recipe works
There are so many different variations of this midwest hot dish out there from beef to venison and even BBQ chicken tater tot skillet or chicken pot pie tater tot casserole. It doesn’t matter what version of this dish you try, you’ll understand why it’s so popular.
Tatertot casserole typically consists of a mixture of beef (or any kind of protein you prefer), cream of mushroom soup, frozen or canned veggies, shredded cheese, and frozen tater tots. It’s not only an affordable meal, but it’s quick and easy which we can all appreciate on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
BEEF – If you’d like to substitute a lean meat such as ground turkey or chicken, use a tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet to help sautee the meat and onions.
TATER TOTS – I’ve found that different brands of tatertots brown differently. I like to use “Golden” tatertots and also brush with butter for the best golden color on the finished dish.
CHEESE – 2 cups of grated cheese provide a nice, cheesy layer. You can reduce the amount by half for a lighter sprinkle of cheese. I always recommend shredding a block of cheese yourself over buying pre-bagged shredded cheese as pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents which prevent it from melting as well.
VEGGIES – You can use either frozen or canned veggies for this recipe. Choose the type of vegetables you like the most for this dish. Anything from corn, green beans, broccoli, peas, bell peppers, and carrots make great options.
How to Make Tatertot Casserole
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
- Add minced garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper and saute for 1-2 minutes longer, until garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and frozen vegetables over medium heat, until well combined.
- Layer warm beef mixture in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Top with tater tots in an even layer. They can be spread over the top or lined in neat little rows. It tastes the same either way!
- Brush the melted butter over the tatertots.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Yes, this tatertot casserole can be assembled in advance and frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap well with plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to bake. Allow the casserole to sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven to take the chill off. Unless you are using an aluminum baking tray, I would not suggest baking this casserole from frozen (you never want to put cold glass into the oven).
Store leftovers covered with an air-tight lid or wrapped with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Tatertot casserole has all the fixin’s from veggies to protein and a starch (tater tots). So it’s basically an all-in-one dinner that doesn’t really need a side, however, you can serve it up with a dinner salad if you would like.
More Casserole Recipes
- Taco Casserole
- Ground Beef Casserole
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
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Tatertot Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 10.5 ounce cream of mushroom soup 1 can
- 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
- 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese grated, about 2 cups
- 5 cups frozen tatertots about 2 pounds
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter melted
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- Cover cooled casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store, refrigerated, for 2-3 days.
- If you’d like to substitute a lean meat such as ground turkey or chicken, use a tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet to help saute the meat and onions.
- You can use either frozen or canned veggies for this recipe. Choose the type of vegetables you like the most for this dish. Anything from corn, green beans, broccoli, peas, bell peppers, and carrots make great options.
- I’ve found that different brands of tatertots brown differently. I like to use “Golden” tatertots and also brush with butter for the best golden color on the finished dish.
- Top with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley, green onion, or chives for a pretty finish with a little freshness.
- 2 cups of grated cheese provide a nice, cheesy layer. You can reduce the amount by half for a lighter sprinkle of cheese. I always recommend shredding a block of cheese yourself over buying pre-bagged shredded cheese as pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents which prevent it from melting as well.
- Casserole can also be frozen for up to 1 month. You can assemble in advance and freeze. Wrap well with plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to bake. Cook time may need adjusting if the casserole is going into the oven straight from the refrigerator.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
- Add minced garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper and saute for 1-2 minutes longer, until garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and frozen vegetables over medium heat, until well combined.
- Layer warm beef mixture in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Top with tater tots in an even layer. They can be spread over the top or lined in neat little rows. Tastes the same either way!
- Brush the melted butter over the tatertots.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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Patricia says
Kids just love this dish. 👍