Beefy cream cheese filling under a crispy tater tot crust
Tater Tot Casserole
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 hr
Servings
8
1 casserole dish
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Tater Tot Casserole
Beefy cream cheese filling under a crispy tater tot crust
★4.3(21)
Seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a creamy sauce topped with rows of crispy golden tater tots and melted cheese. A kid-friendly comfort food classic.
15m
Prep Time
45m
Cook Time
60m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Tater tot casserole—also called hotdish in the Midwest—is the ultimate family-friendly dinner with minimal prep. The tater tots get impossibly crispy on top while the filling stays creamy underneath.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup sour cream
OvenBake
Test Kitchen Pick
Sheet Pan
Helpful Tool
Why a good sheet pan helps here
The pan is doing more work here than it looks like. A sturdy, evenly heating sheet pan gives you better browning and fewer hot spots.
This recipe benefits from more even oven contact and easier cleanup.
- Promotes more even browning
- Useful across weeknight roasts and baking
A heavy rimmed sheet pan is one of the highest-use tools in almost any kitchen.
Shop sheet pan options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into crumbles. Drain fat.
- 2
Stir in mushroom soup, sour cream, corn, half the cheese, salt, and pepper. Spread into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- 3
Arrange tater tots in neat rows over the filling in a single layer.
- 4
Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until tots are golden and crispy.
- 5
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the tots and bake 5 more minutes until melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Cream of mushroom soupCream of chicken soup or cheese soup
Cheese soup adds extra richness
Tater totsFrozen hash browns or waffle fries
Hash browns create a more solid crust
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Arrange tots in a single layer standing upright for the crispiest results.
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving so it holds together when scooped.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Freeze assembled (unbaked) for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat uncovered at 375°F for 20 minutes to re-crisp the tots.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (70mg) · 8 servings
Calories450
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein22g
Carbohydrates26g
Fat34g
Fiber780mg
Sugar3g
Sodium3g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground turkey?
- Yes—season it well since turkey is leaner and milder than beef.
- What can I add to the filling?
- Diced onion, green beans, or mixed vegetables all work great.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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