Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole

Looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that brings everyone running to the dinner table? This Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — warm, creamy, loaded with melted cheese, crispy tater tots, and savory ground beef. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to throw together with simple pantry staples.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving cozy, satisfying flavors, this classic casserole delivers on taste, texture, and cheesy goodness in every bite.

🥘 Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

• Classic comfort food with cheesy, crispy, savory layers.
• Simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
• Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters.
• One-dish meal that feeds the whole family.
• Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or lazy weekends.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

⏱️ Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Brown the Beef

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and cooked through.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture

• In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Add the cooked beef mixture to the creamy soup mixture and stir to combine.
• Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
• Arrange the tater tots evenly on top.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

• Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
• Remove from oven, sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

🔥 Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole

• For extra flavor, swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella.
• Add veggies like peas, corn, or green beans for a complete meal.
• Make ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Love it spicy? Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.

🥗 What to Serve with Tater Tot Casserole

• Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

This hearty casserole is filling on its own but pairs perfectly with simple sides.

💬 Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is everything you love about comfort food — creamy, cheesy, crispy, and completely satisfying. It’s an easy, no-fuss meal that’s guaranteed to warm you up and fill your home with savory, mouth-watering aromas.

Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a potluck, or just indulging in some cozy home cooking, this casserole hits the spot every single time.

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