Go Back
Close-up of tater tot casserole showing crispy golden tots with bubbling melted cheddar and the beef filling visible in a served corner — tater tot casserole
Abdul Rehman

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese

This tater tot casserole layers a savory, well-seasoned ground beef and creamy mushroom sauce base with sharp cheddar cheese inside the filling and across the top, all finished with crispy golden tots baked uncovered until golden. One 9x13 baking dish, 60 minutes total, and it feeds 8 people with minimal cleanup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 518
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Base
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (680g), 80/20 fat ratio
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ​
  • 1 tsp garlic powder ​
  • 1 tsp onion powder ​
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper ​
  • 3/4 tsp salt ​
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz / 298g), undiluted
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (120g)
  • 1/3 cup beef broth (80ml)
For the Topping
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (200g), shredded from a block, divided
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz / 907g)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking the meat into pieces, until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Drain the excess fat.
  3. Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth. Stir until fully combined. Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar until melted into the filling.
  6. Transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  7. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single tight layer on top of the filling, standing upright with no gaps. Do not press them down.
  8. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the tots are golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the sides.
  9. Remove from the oven. Scatter the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the tots. Return to the oven for 10 more minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
  10. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.