Name: Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen tater tots; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp paprika, chopped green onions for garnish

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Simple and delicious tater tot casserole is a classic comfort food that brings together crispy tater tots, savory meat, and creamy sauce in one satisfying bake. It’s hearty, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make with just a handful of pantry ingredients. I love whipping this up when I need a low-effort, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone devours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s filling, fast, and totally flexible. It’s the kind of dish that works for busy weeknights, weekend comfort dinners, or even as a make-ahead freezer meal. I can switch up the veggies, change the meat, or add extra cheese based on what I have on hand. And let’s be honest—nothing beats that crispy tater tot topping. Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or ground turkey
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper
Optional: Worcestershire sauce, paprika, green onions

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, I cook the ground meat with chopped onion and garlic until browned. I season with salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce if I want extra depth.
I stir in the frozen vegetables and soup, mixing everything well.
I spread the meat and veggie mixture evenly into the baking dish and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
I arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the top.
I bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling.
I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, and sometimes top it with green onions for a fresh touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Total time is around 50 minutes:

15 minutes for prep and cooking the filling
35 minutes for baking

Variations

Sometimes I use ground chicken or sausage instead of beef. I also like swapping in different soups—like cream of celery or cheddar soup—for new flavors. For a spicier version, I add diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the oven or air fryer to keep the tater tots crisp. It also freezes well—I let it cool, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I reheat from frozen or thaw overnight before baking. Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, I bake it straight from the fridge—just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best meat to use?

I usually use ground beef, but turkey or sausage work just as well. I make sure to drain any excess fat after browning.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

Nope! I use them straight from the freezer. They crisp up beautifully in the oven without thawing.

Can I use fresh vegetables?

Absolutely. I sauté them slightly before mixing into the filling so they cook fully in the oven.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

I bake the casserole uncovered and spread the tots out evenly on top. For extra crispness, I sometimes broil the last 2–3 minutes.

Conclusion

Simple and delicious tater tot casserole is everything I want in a comfort dish—warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with amazing smells and brings everyone to the table. Whether I’m feeding the family or just want something satisfying and nostalgic, this recipe always hits the spot.