Go Back
A close-up spoonful of cheesy tater tot casserole, showing the layers of crispy tots, melted cheddar cheese, and the savory ground beef and green bean filling.

Tater Tot Casserole (The Ultimate Easy Recipe)

The ultimate Tater Tot Casserole recipe! This easy, cheesy dish features a savory ground beef filling, creamy sauce, and a perfectly crispy tater tot topping. A family-favorite comfort food classic that's ready in under an hour.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
  • 1 cup yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup frozen green beans
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Skillet

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion has softened. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen green beans. Mix until well combined.
  4. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crisp.
  8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the hot tater tots. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For Extra Crispy Tots: Bake tater tots on a sheet pan for 15 minutes before arranging them on the casserole.
Cheese: For the best melt, shred your own cheese from a block.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole without the tater tots, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add tots just before baking and increase bake time by 10-15 minutes.
QR Code linking back to recipe