Tater Tot Casserole
The Ultimate Quick and Easy Tater Tot Casserole: A Family Favorite!
Looking to take a night off from the hard cooking and make something easy that the kids won’t be mad about? Prepare to be delighted by the ultimate quick and easy Tater Tot Casserole. Bursting with a creamy blend of cream cheese, savory ground beef, and crowned with a crispy golden crust of tater tots, this mouthwatering dish is a beloved favorite among families everywhere. I’ll show you through the step-by-step process of creating this crowd-pleasing masterpiece, sharing the essential ingredients, helpful tips for success, and even ways to add your personal touch. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weekday meal or planning a gathering with friends and don’t have a lot of time , this recipe is guaranteed to make mouths water and plates empty. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up the oven, and get ready for a feast that will leave your loved ones clamoring for seconds – the irresistible quick and easy Tater Tot Casserole!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Now that you’re ready to get dinner started let’s work on making this easy Tater Tot Casserole, let’s gather all the ingredients that will make this dish a showstopper. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these essential ingredients will ensure a perfectly balanced and mouthwatering meal.
First up, you’ll need a pound of flavorful ground beef. if you’re trying to stay on the healthier side you may want to opt for lean ground beef, or if you’re like me and crave the fat stuff go for the traditional full-fat version for that indulgent taste! Whichever you choose, this protein-packed ingredient will serve as the hearty foundation of your casserole.
Next, reach for a brick of creamy cream cheese. This velvety ingredient adds a rich and luscious texture to the casserole, creating a delightful contrast to the crispy tater tot topping. Be sure to let the cream cheese soften before stirring it into the mixture, ensuring a smooth and even distribution throughout. When I’ve been pressed for time in the past I’ve popped it in the microwave for 30 seconds or so and it made it nice and smooth with ease!
If you care to jazz it up a bit and don’t have picky eater you can add a burst of savory flavor, include a finely chopped onion and minced garlic cloves. These aromatic ingredients will infuse the casserole with their irresistible aroma and enhance the overall taste. Sautee them until they become golden and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors into the dish.
No Tater Tot Casserole would be complete without the star of the show – tater tots! Grab a bag of these bite-sized potato wonders and prepare to crown your casserole with a golden crust. You can find tater tots in the frozen section of your local grocery store,(I don’t really have a favorite brand that I use, I typically use the Walmart great value one or whatever is on sale. When it comes to tater tots they pretty much all taste the same to me but if you have a brand that you love I say use that!) making this dish a breeze to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
To further elevate the flavor profile, gather ground black pepper, salt, and if you have some on hand a dash of Worcestershire sauce. These simple yet essential seasonings will bring out the best in each ingredient, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Lastly, make sure to have shredded cheddar cheese on hand. This ooey-gooey ingredient adds a cheesy goodness to the casserole, creating a delightful cheesy pull with every forkful. Be generous with the cheese, as it will form a delicious melty layer on top of the tater tots, creating a cheesy crust that’s hard to resist. I always recommend that you buy the block of cheese and grated the cheese yourself for the best taste and a better melt but if you’re pressed for time you absolutely can just get the bag of the shredded one!

Step-by-Step Instructions
So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for bringing this beloved family favorite to life.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for ensuring that the casserole cooks evenly and becomes golden and crispy on top.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Make sure to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure it’s evenly cooked throughout.
Step 3: Drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is essential for keeping your casserole from becoming greasy or overly rich.
Step 4: Add the diced onions to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant. This will add a savory and aromatic element to your casserole.
Step 5: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk into the skillet. This creamy mixture will bind all the flavors together and add a velvety texture to the casserole.
Step 6: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Allow the flavors to meld together for a couple of minutes, infusing the dish with a comforting and well-rounded taste.
Step 7: Spread the ground beef mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This ensures that every bite will be filled with deliciousness when the casserole is baked.
Step 8: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the ground beef mixture. The tater tots should be snugly nestled together, creating a crispy and golden top layer.
Step 9: Lastly, make sure to have shredded cheddar cheese on hand. This ooey-gooey ingredient adds a cheesy goodness to the casserole, creating a delightful cheesy pull with every forkful. Be generous with the cheese, as it will form a delicious melty layer on top of the tater tots, creating a cheesy crust that’s hard to resist.
With these easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious Tater Tot Casserole that your entire family will love. Now it’s time to add your personal touch and make this recipe truly your own by exploring different variations and ingredients that suit your taste preferences.
Add Your Personal Touch

Tater Tot Casserole is a versatile dish that welcomes creativity, so don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and textures. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Meat Lover’s Dream: For the carnivores in your family, consider adding some cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or ground beef to the casserole mixture. This will not only add a savory element but also provide a hearty and filling meal that will satisfy even the biggest appetites.
- Veggie Delight: If you prefer a vegetarian twist, incorporate an assortment of colorful vegetables to bring freshness and a burst of flavors. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or even some tender spinach leaves. These additions will not only enhance the taste but also add some nutritional value to the dish.
- Cheesy Combination: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up with other types of cheese. Experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses to create a creamy, gooey topping that will make your taste buds dance.
- Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of spicy foods, kick things up a notch by adding some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. The heat will add a delightful kick that will elevate the flavors and add a tantalizing twist to the casserole.
Tips and Tools for this recipe
Check out my kitchen essentials, where you’ll find my favorite kitchen tools, spices and more!
- Here is the dutch oven I use and love for my recipe!
- I feel like freshly grated cheese tastes so much better and melts better as well! Using my hand crank cheese grater make grating cheese a breeze!
- These are my new favorite baking dishes!
Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. Feel free to get creative and customize the dish to suit your taste. As you experiment with different ingredients and combinations, you’ll discover unique variations that will become your family’s new favorites.
Now that you have some ideas for personalizing your Tater Tot Casserole, let’s move on to the next section for some tips that will ensure your success in creating this family favorite dish.
Tips for Success
Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. Feel free to get creative and customize the dish to suit your taste. As you experiment with different ingredients and combinations, you’ll discover unique variations that will become your family’s new favorites.
Now that you have some ideas for personalizing your Tater Tot Casserole, let’s move on to the next section for some tips that will ensure your success in creating this family favorite dish.
- Choose the Right Cheese: Cheese plays a crucial role in adding flavor and richness to your Tater Tot Casserole. While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to mix it up. Experiment with different types of cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of several cheeses to add more depth to the dish.
- Add a Pop of Color: While the main ingredients in this casserole are potatoes and ground beef, you can amp up the visual appeal by incorporating colorful vegetables. Consider adding diced bell peppers, onions, or even some sweet corn to add bursts of flavor and make the casserole more nutritious.
- Season Wisely: Don’t forget to season your Tater Tot Casserole well to make it truly delicious. Apart from the usual salt and pepper, consider adding your favorite herbs and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. These additional flavors will elevate the overall taste and make your dish stand out.
- Precook or Not? It’s up to You: One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity, which allows you to save time by cooking everything together. However, if you prefer a specific texture for your vegetables or want to ensure the meat is fully cooked, you can precook them before assembling the casserole. It’s all about personal preference and what works best for you and your family.
With these tips in mind, you’re well equipped to create a mouthwatering Tater Tot Casserole that will please everyone at the dinner table. So gather your ingredients, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the process of making this family favorite dish that is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.,
In just a few simple steps, you can create a scrumptious Tater Tot Casserole that will delight the whole family. With its creamy cream cheese mixture, savory ground beef, and crispy golden topping of tater tots, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing for a dinner party or simply craving a comforting weeknight meal, this Tater Tot Casserole is the answer.
As you present this beautiful creation, your loved ones will be drawn in by the irresistible flavors and eye-catching presentation.
Krystel’s Cooking
This casserole brings people together. It’s a dish that evokes childhood memories and creates new ones. As you gather around the dinner table, the aroma of the baked casserole filling the air, you’ll feel a sense of warmth and togetherness.
So, with your ingredients ready and the oven preheated, why not satisfy your cravings with this ultimate quick and easy Tater Tot Casserole tonight? Your family will thank you as they savor every flavorful bite.
Remember, a great meal brings people closer, and this Tater Tot Casserole has the power to turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable experience. Now, go ahead – unleash your inner chef, create memories, and savor the taste of this family favorite. Bon appétit!

Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef, lean, cooked and drained
- 7 cups tater tots, frozen
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened, room temperature
- 1 1 oz packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 10.75 oz canned cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 425°F and greasing a 9×13 casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to combine all ingredients except for the ground beef and tater tots.
- Carefully coat the cooked ground beef with the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the greased casserole dish.
- Top it off with frozen tater tots.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate the dish and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the tater tots are golden and crisp.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until melted and remove from oven. Serve and enjoy!