Cheesy Tater Tot Beef Casserole
This is the kind of casserole that makes people smile before they even take a bite. You know the vibe — crispy, golden tater tots on top, a creamy, savory beef filling underneath, and melted cheese stretching the second you scoop into it. It’s cozy, a little nostalgic, and honestly just fun to eat.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or those evenings when you want comfort food without a lot of fuss. The creamy mushroom base makes everything rich and comforting, the sour cream adds that little tang, and the tots bring the crunch that keeps you going back for “just one more” forkful.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 tablespoon olive oil
Chopped chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain any excess fat so the casserole stays creamy, not greasy.
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, until the onion softens and the garlic smells amazing.
Lower the heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Add the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything looks smooth and creamy.
Mix in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The mixture should be thick, cheesy, and honestly pretty hard not to taste right then.
Spread the beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Arrange the frozen tater tots over the top in neat rows. This is the part that makes it look extra satisfying once it bakes — like a crispy little blanket.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crunchy.
Pull the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to get those lightly golden spots.
Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up so you get perfect scoops.
Presentation
For an easy finishing touch, sprinkle chopped chives or green onions over the top. They add a little fresh bite and make the whole dish look bright and inviting.
Serve it straight from the baking dish while the tots are still crisp. If you want to round out the meal, a simple salad or some steamed broccoli on the side is a nice balance to all that cheesy goodness.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
🔥 Kcal: ~510 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
Conclusion
Cheesy tater tot beef casserole is comfort food at its best — creamy, savory, cheesy, and topped with that irresistible crunch. It’s easy, family-friendly, and basically guaranteed to disappear fast.
If you’re craving something warm and satisfying soon, put this one on the menu. Just don’t be surprised when someone asks for it again next week. 💛