Tater Tot Casserole is a dish that combines crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and melted cheese into one glorious bake. It is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day—simple, satisfying, and just a little nostalgic.

Whether you grew up eating it or discovered it later in life, there’s no denying its universal appeal. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potluck dinners, or anytime you crave something hearty without a lot of fuss.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: a flavorful meaty base, a creamy binder (usually a trusty can of cream soup), and a golden layer of crispy tater tots on top. It’s the kind of meal that pleases both kids and adults, making it a reliable staple in many households.

Tater tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole—known as “Tater Tot Hotdish” in the Upper Midwest—is a distinctly American dish that emerged in the 1950s. Born from the Midwest’s love of hearty, convenient meals, it became a staple in Minnesota and the Dakotas, where casseroles are affectionately called “hotdish.” Midwestern church potlucks, family gatherings, and school dinners helped cement its status as a comfort-food icon.

What I love about Tater Tot Casserole is how adaptable it is. You can swap the ground beef for ground lamb, turkey or even beans, mix in your favorite veggies, or experiment with different cheeses. Some versions include caramelized onions, a dash of hot sauce, or even a layer of corn for extra texture. No matter how you make it, the result is always promising—warm, cheesy, and packed with that irresistible potato crunch. 😋

This humble casserole proves you don’t need gourmet ingredients to create something extraordinary. In a world full of fancy recipes, sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones we come back to again and again. 🤗

What You Will Need

Ingredient List

For this comforting hotdish, you’ll need simple ingredients easily found at any grocery store. The recipe makes 4 main-size portions – perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ground beef: The most typical meat for this dish is ground beef. 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal—it stays juicy even after baking. If using leaner beef, add a splash of broth or extra sauce to prevent dryness.
Tater tots: In the UK, it’s also called “potato crunchies”. In Australia/New Zealand, they are known as “potato gems”, “potato royals” or “potato pom-poms”. Avoid “mini” tots → They can dry out or burn easily. I prefer plain tots, but you can opt for seasoned tots (like garlic or onion flavor) for extra depth.
Condensed Cream of mushroom: I use canned cream of mushroom because it’s the classic for this dish. For milder options: Cream of chicken or celery soup work well as substitutes.
Beef Bouillon Powder/Granules/Cubes: Beef bouillon is a flavor powerhouse that deepens savory flavor and adds umami richness.
Yellow onion: Finely diced.
Garlic: Freshly minced or you can use jarlic.
Grated Cheese & Parmesan Cheese: For grated cheese you can use Cheddar, Colby Jack or mozzarella (not buffalo mozzarella). Use Pepper Jack if you like a bit of spicy kick. Parmesan cheese creates an extra crispy, golden crust.
Mixed veggies: I use frozen mixed veggies.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make

Instruction

Preheat your oven to 375F/190C. Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a large cast-iron pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened, add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Add the ground beef, using a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue browning the meat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains.
Reduce heat to low and stir in beef bouillon powder, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, mixed vegetables, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking

Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with half amount of grated cheese and Parmesan.
Arrange the tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the surface completely. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown.

Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining grated cheese and Parmesan cheese over the tots. Return to the oven for 10 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot. Enjoy. 😘

Our Tips

Avoid “mini” tots → They can dry out or burn easily. Keep them frozen when arranging.
Brown your beef well → Cook until deeply caramelized (not just gray) for richer flavor
Crisp the top twice to get your tots for extra crunch.

What To Serve With

This hot dish can be a stand alone main dish eat as is. If you want to fill up your dinning table with other sides. Here are some suggestions for you to create a balanced meal:

Comfort Sides:

Crisp Green Salad: Try iceberg or romaine with ranch dressing for cool contrast.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sauté with butter + 1 tbsp honey until caramelized.
Garlic Roasted Green Beans: Toss with olive oil + minced garlic at 425°F for 15 mins.

Bread & Carb Companions:

Cornbread Muffins: Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Buttermilk Biscuits: Ideal for soaking up the filling
Pretzel Rolls: Their saltiness complements the cheesy tots

Vegetables:

Steamed Broccoli or broccolini
Baked Beans: Adds protein and a touch of sweetness (perfect for brunch).

Try it tonight and watch your loved ones enjoy it! ❤️ Share your creations on the comment section with your photos! We’d love to see your delicious results!😘