Hot Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food favorite that’s hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Made with seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, sweet corn, and crispy golden tater tots on top, this dish is pure nostalgia baked into one cozy casserole.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family, this easy casserole uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Crispy on top, creamy underneath, this is comfort food at its best.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food – Warm, hearty, and nostalgic
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, simple steps
- Family-Friendly – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- Budget-Friendly – Affordable pantry staples
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for busy days
- Crispy & Creamy – Best of both textures
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until fully cooked.
Drain excess grease.
2. Mix the Casserole Base:
Stir cream of mushroom soup, corn, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the beef mixture.
Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble:
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Add Tater Tots:
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
5. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are golden and crispy.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Serve hot straight from the baking dish with extra cheese if desired.
Side Pairings:
- Simple green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Coleslaw
- Pickles or sliced tomatoes
Leftover Uses:
- Reheat for easy lunches
- Stuff into wraps or burritos
- Add a fried egg on top for breakfast
Beverage Pairing:
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Light soda
Additional Tips
- Use sharp cheddar for bolder flavor.
- For extra crispiness, broil the last 2 minutes.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to set layers.
- Season the beef well, it flavors the whole dish.
Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add mozzarella or pepper jack
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or chili powder
- Veggie Boost: Add peas or green beans
- Cream Swap: Use cream of chicken soup instead
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months (unbaked works best)
Reheat: Oven or microwave until heated through
Special Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Spatula
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and is lighter.
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Absolutely ,assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
How do I keep tater tots crispy?
Bake uncovered and avoid overcrowding.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free soup and cheese alternatives.
Conclusion
Hot Tater Tot Casserole is a timeless, comforting dish that’s easy to make and always satisfying. With its creamy beef base and crispy golden topping, it’s a guaranteed family favorite that belongs in every home cook’s recipe collection.
