Description
Get ready to serve up the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole—a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. This easy recipe layers savory ground beef, creamy sauce, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheddar cheese into a single, satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for hearty dinner ideas or cozy food ideas for the whole family, this casserole delivers. It’s freezer-friendly, kid-approved, and the leftovers reheat beautifully. The best part? You probably already have all the ingredients on hand. It’s everything you want in a quick meal—simple, delicious, and comforting.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper until soft and fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Reduce heat and let it simmer until well combined.
5. Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
7. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the tots are golden brown and crispy.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and return to the oven for 5 more minutes until melted.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley (optional) and serve hot.
Notes
Make sure your tater tots are frozen before baking to achieve a crispy topping.
You can prep the filling ahead and refrigerate overnight for a quick assembly next day.
Add extra veggies like peas or corn to bulk it up and add more color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy recipe, tater tot casserole, quick dinner, comfort food, cheesy casserole