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4.8 from 36 votes

Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food made with a flavorful beefy base, canned or frozen vegetables, cheese, and crispy tater tots. Make it with or without canned soup!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 627 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers diced- any color
  • 2 teaspoons ketchup
  • 3 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese separated
  • 32 oz. tater tots frozen
For the Gravy/Sauce:
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional
  • 10.5 oz. low sodium cream of mushroom soup

Instructions

Prep Work:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Combine the gravy/sauce ingredients and set aside. (2 c. beef broth, chicken bouillon, 1 tsp. soy sauce, 1 tsp. onion powder, and ½ tsp. garlic powder.) Set aside.
Prepare the Beef Mixture:
  1. Cook/crumble the ground beef with the onions over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic and bell peppers. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain grease well.
  2. Season lightly with salt/pepper, ketchup, yellow mustard, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, until you can no longer smell flour.
  4. Add the beef broth mixture in small splashes and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pot, as this will add more flavor to the sauce. Don’t add the liquid too quickly in order to keep the base nice and thick.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer. Let it thicken and reduce for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Optional: Spread cream of mushroom soup over the top of the beef if preferred.
Assemble Casserole/Bake
  1. If your skillet isn’t oven safe, transfer to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with corn, then with 2 cups of the cheese.
  2. Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
  3. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and add additional ½ cup cheese. Bake 5 more minutes.
  4. Optional: Garnish with chives and crispy bacon or bacon bits prior to serving.

Notes

  • Pro Tips
  • Make Ahead Method
  • Refrigerator (up to 2 days ahead):
  • Freezer (up to 3 months ahead):
  • Storage
  • Don't bake this any higher than 375°, otherwise the base gets too hot/bubbly and the tater tots sink down into it. (Trust me. 🥴)
  • To control the sodium: Use low sodium broth and soy sauce. The bouillon can be omitted as well, but it does add a nice depth of flavor.
  • Bell Peppers aren't traditionally included in tater tot casserole but they add a nice flavor and texture to the recipe. Feel free to omit if preferred.
  • Canned or frozen green beans or mixed vegetables can also be used instead of corn.
  • Ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
  • A variety of cheeses work well in this recipe. Feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack would be an excellent choice as well as some Parmesan or Mozzarella.
  • Prepare the filling, add the vegetables, and add the cheese. Don't add the tater tots. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • Cover and bake it at 375° for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and add frozen tater tots.
  • Bake it uncovered for 40 minutes. Sprinkle additional 1/2 cup cheese, bake for 5 more minutes. Serve.
  • Prepare the filling, add the vegetables, and add the cheese. Don't add the tater tots. Cover, label, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Cover and bake it at 375° for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and add frozen tater tots.
  • Bake it uncovered for 40 minutes. Sprinkle additional 1/2 cup cheese, bake for 5 more minutes. Serve.
  • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or baked at 350 in a lightly greased/covered casserole dish until heated through. (Amount of time depends on serving size.)

Nutrition Information

Calories 627kcal (31%) Carbohydrates 52g (17%) Protein 34g (68%) Fat 33g (51%) Saturated Fat 14g (70%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 13g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 96mg (32%) Sodium 1412mg (59%) Potassium 962mg (27%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 1308IU (26%) Vitamin C 47mg (52%) Calcium 384mg (38%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 627

% Daily Value*

Calories 627kcal 31%
Carbohydrates 52g 17%
Protein 34g 68%
Fat 33g 51%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 96mg 32%
Sodium 1412mg 59%
Potassium 962mg 20%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 1308IU 26%
Vitamin C 47mg 52%
Calcium 384mg 38%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.