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Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Make Ahead Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

This make ahead tater tot casserole with ground beef layers savory beef, creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheddar, and crispy potato tots into the best tator tot casserole recipe ever for weeknights, potlucks, and family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the casserole
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • garlic powder, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce optional, to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch casserole dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce to taste.
  4. Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, smoothing it into a level layer.
  5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, placing them close together but not overlapping so they can crisp as they bake.
  7. Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  8. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  9. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the layers can set. Scoop into portions and enjoy warm.

Notes

To make this casserole ahead, assemble it through the tater tot layer, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy on top. For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon bits, peas, or corn to the beef mixture, and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.