Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole (Printable)

Comforting layers of seasoned beef, vegetables, and crispy golden potato tots baked with melted cheddar cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)

→ Dairy & Cheese

04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Pantry

06 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Topping

13 - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
04 - Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese over the mixture.
05 - Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top, covering the entire surface.
06 - Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
07 - Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return to oven for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything you love about a loaded baked potato transformed into a hearty, family-feeding casserole
  • The crispy tater tot topping creates this irresistible texture contrast with the creamy beef filling underneath
  • It is one of those rare meals where everyone actually asks for seconds and fights over the corner pieces
02 -
  • Draining the beef thoroughly prevents the final dish from being greasy, which is a lesson I learned the hard way
  • Arranging tots in a single layer instead of piling them ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness
  • The resting period seems optional but it makes the difference between a neat scoop and a messy plate
03 -
  • Season each layer as you go rather than just at the end for deeper flavor throughout
  • Use freshly grated cheese because it melts into that gorgeous gooey consistency we all want

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