Tator Tot Casserole

Name: Tator Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup diced onion; 1 cup diced green pepper; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 10.5-ounce can cream of mushroom soup; 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 32-ounce bag frozen tator tots; Cooking spray

·December 17, 2025
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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bubbling dish of tator tot casserole coming out of the oven. The crispy potato topping, the creamy beef mixture underneath, and the way everything melts together into a hearty, satisfying meal makes this a go-to recipe when you need something filling and fuss-free. It’s the kind of dish that comes together quickly, tastes even better the next day, and has a way of disappearing faster than you expect.

It’s simple. It’s cozy. And it absolutely earns a spot in your weeknight rotation.

This tator tot casserole leans into classic flavors you already know and love. Think savory ground beef, tender veggies, creamy sauce, and cheese. Then it gets topped with a generous layer of golden tots that crisp up beautifully in the oven. Each bite gives you a mix of textures — soft, creamy, crispy — and the combination is exactly what comfort food should taste like.

If you’re feeding a busy household, this one checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prep, easy to serve, and easy to customize. And if you’re planning leftovers? You’ll be thrilled with how well it reheats.

Why This Tator Tot Casserole Works

Tator tot casserole has been around forever, and for good reason. It’s uncomplicated but delivers big flavor without much effort.

Here’s why this version stands out:

Balanced flavor: The beef mixture is seasoned just right — not too salty, not too bland — so it pairs perfectly with the potatoes on top.

A creamy, hearty base: A blend of beef, vegetables, and a smooth sauce keeps the filling rich and satisfying.
Crispy topping: The tots bake into a golden, crunchy layer that adds that irresistible contrast to the creamy interior.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to dive right in. It’s familiar, comforting, and full of ingredients kids already enjoy.

Adaptable: You can switch out meat, add extra veggies, or fold in your favorite seasonings. It’s pretty forgiving, making it a great recipe for anyone who likes to adjust as they go.

This casserole also works wonderfully for meal prep. You can assemble it early, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. If you’re cooking for a crowd, doubling the recipe is simple — and it’s always a hit at gatherings.

Tator Tot Casserole Ingredients

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that blend together to create that classic, creamy, comforting casserole base everyone remembers.

You’ll need:

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced green pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tator tots
Cooking spray

Each ingredient plays a role. The beef provides richness. The vegetables add flavor and texture. The combined soups create that signature creamy filling. And the cheese gives you melty goodness in every scoop. The tots, of course, tie the entire dish together and make it feel like the nostalgic casserole so many of us grew up eating.

How to Make Tator Tot Casserole

This casserole comes together in a few easy steps, and once it hits the oven, your kitchen fills with the kind of cozy aroma that makes everyone wander in asking, “How much longer until dinner?”

Here’s how to make it:

Step One: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Step Two: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until mostly browned, gently breaking it apart with a spoon. You want small crumbles but not overly mashed texture.

If you’re using lean beef, you may not need to drain, but if there’s excess grease, remove it before the next step.

Step Three: Add Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion and green pepper. Cook for about four minutes, until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.

Step Four: Season and Combine

Sprinkle in the seasoned salt and pepper. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.

Now add both cans of soup and mix everything together. Once combined, fold in the peas and carrots.

Let this simmer for two to three minutes. The mixture should look creamy and well blended.

Step Five: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Step Six: Add the Tator Tots

Arrange the tator tots in a single, even layer. You can keep them neat in rows or scatter them more casually — either way, they’ll crisp beautifully.

Step Seven: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

If you like an extra-crisp topping, switch the oven to broil for the last minute or two. Watch closely so the tots don’t over-brown.

Step Eight: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for five minutes before scooping. It helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve clean portions.

Recipe Tips for the Best Tator Tot Casserole

A few simple tips can make this dish even better:

Cook the vegetables until just soft. They’ll finish cooking in the oven and keep a pleasant texture.

Don’t stir the tots into the mixture. Keeping them on top helps them crisp instead of getting soggy.
Try different cheeses. Cheddar works wonderfully, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend will also taste fantastic.
Use lean ground beef. The casserole is creamy enough — extra grease can make it heavy.

Cover with foil if the tots brown too quickly. Every oven runs a little differently, and this keeps them from getting too dark.

Tator Tot Casserole Substitutions and Additions

The great thing about a casserole like this is how customizable it is. You can switch ingredients based on what you already have in your kitchen or adapt it to match your family’s tastes.

Vegetables

Add any of the following to the beef mixture:

Corn
Green beans
Mixed frozen vegetables
Mushrooms
Spinach

Just remember that watery vegetables should be sautéed first.

Meat

If you don’t want to use ground beef, try:

Ground turkey
Ground chicken
Ground pork
Sausage (bulk or removed from casing)

Sausage adds a nice flavor boost, especially if you like a bit of spice.

Sauce Variations

Instead of using cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, you can substitute:

Cream of celery
Cream of onion
Cream of cheddar

You can even mix and match depending on what you have on hand.

Cheese Options

Melty cheeses are best, and you have plenty of choices:

Cheddar
Cheddar Jack
Colby Jack
Mozzarella for a milder flavor
Pepper Jack for a little spice

Extra Flavor Add-ins

Try stirring in:

A dash of hot sauce
Paprika or smoked paprika
Onion powder
Garlic powder
A splash of milk if you prefer a looser, creamier filling

You can also add cooked bacon pieces on top for extra richness.

How to Serve Tator Tot Casserole

Tator tot casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a fresh, crisp side helps round everything out.

Here are great options:

A simple green salad
Caesar salad
Steamed green beans
Roasted broccoli
Dinner rolls to scoop up any leftover sauce

If you want something even heartier, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or buttered corn. And if you’re thinking about drinks, iced tea or lemonade balances out the richness.

This casserole also works beautifully for potlucks. It travels well, stays warm for a long time, and usually disappears first from the table.

How to Store Tator Tot Casserole

This recipe keeps well, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

In the Fridge

Let the casserole cool completely.
Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly.

It will keep for 3 to 4 days.

In the Freezer

Cool completely first.
Transfer to freezer-safe containers or cover the whole dish tightly with foil.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat at 350°F until warmed through. If the topping looks pale, broil for a minute to bring back the crispiness.

Reheating Tips

Microwave portions for quick meals.
Add foil during reheating to prevent the tots from over-browning.
If the casserole thickens in the fridge, stir in a splash of milk before reheating.

Make-Ahead Instructions

If you want to prep this recipe early, you can assemble the whole casserole except for the tator tots. Store the beef mixture and cheese in the baking dish covered in the fridge, then add the tots right before baking.

This prevents the potatoes from absorbing moisture and keeps them crisp during baking.

You can make this version up to 24 hours in advance.