Introduction

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy on top. This family-friendly dish combines savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and golden tater tots, all smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
3. Mix the filling: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mixed vegetables, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Combine well until creamy and smooth.
4. Assemble the casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
6. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Description

This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors — creamy, savory beef and vegetables beneath a blanket of crisp, cheesy tater tots. It’s rich, satisfying, and simple to make with basic pantry ingredients. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!