The BEST Tater Tot Casserole

I’m excited to share this cozy and crowd‑pleasing Tater Tot Casserole, loaded with a savory ground beef base, creamy mushroom soup, green beans, melty cheese, and topped with golden, crispy tater tots. It’s a total comfort-food win for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines simple pantry staples into a hearty, layered bake that pleases both kids and adults. The creamy mushroom soup ties everything together, the green beans add a touch of veggie goodness, and the tater tots deliver that perfectly crisp, nostalgic finish. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour—ideal when I want something satisfying, fast.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb lean ground beef (the leaner the better)

• ½ onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 15-oz can green beans, drained

• 10.75-oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups frozen tater tots

• Salt and pepper, to taste

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 °F.

2. Lightly grease an 8- or 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain the excess fat.

4. Add diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent.

5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

6. Add Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

7. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.

8. Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the beef layer.

9. Layer the drained green beans on top of the soup, seasoning them lightly.

10. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the green beans.

11. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.

12. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and the cheese is melted.

13. Remove from oven and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Swap green beans: Try corn or peas for a veggie twist.

• Use different soup: Cream of chicken or celery boosts flavor variety.

• Protein alternatives: Lean ground turkey or chicken work great in place of beef.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezing: Assemble without tater tots, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, add tots, bake until heated.

• Reheating: Microwave individual portions, or bake at 350 °F until bubbly. To re-crisp tots, finish under the broiler for a couple minutes.

FAQs

What if I don’t have green beans?

I’ve used corn or frozen peas instead—and they work beautifully. Adds a bit of sweet contrast, too.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble everything (except tots), cover, and refrigerate. When ready, I add tots and bake—adding 5–10 minutes if cold.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes! I freeze the casserole without tater tots for up to 2 months. After thawing, I top with tots and bake until hot and crisp.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free cheese and skip the cream soup (or use a dairy-free version). The tots crisp nicely regardless.

How can I add more veggies?

I love stirring in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or diced zucchini with the onions for extra color and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Tater Tot Casserole is one of my ultimate comfort meals—it’s easy, customizable, and always a hit. Whether I’m feeding a family or prepping ahead for busy nights, it fits the bill. I encourage trying the variations and making it your own—there’s really no wrong way to enjoy this layered delight.