How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

Name: Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, (chopped); 3-4 garlic cloves, (minced); 1 tsp EACH chili powder, dried parsley; 1/2 tsp EACH smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 32-oz. bag frozen Tater Tots® ((DON'T THAW)); Fresh parsley for garnish ((optional)); 1/4 cup flour; 1¼ cups low sodium chicken broth, (divided); 1 cup milk; 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons beef bouillon, ((granulated, base or crushed cubes)); 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard; 8 oz. (2 packed cups) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, (divided); 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 15 oz. can green beans, (drained); 1 cup sweet corn ((canned and drained or frozen, not thawed)); 1 cup petite frozen peas, (not thawed)

This Tater Tot Casserole recipe is an updated version of the classic, made without any condensed soups! It boasts full-throttle flavor with a touch of creaminess under a blanket of cheesy, crunchy, golden tots. With customization flexibility, this casserole is a filling, flavorful, family-favorite, meal-prep champion.

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up close of serving tater tot casserole showing the crispy tater tots

You’ll love this Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Full-Throttled Flavor: No boring casserole here! Packed with spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce, it delivers rich, savory, and slightly smoky notes that elevate every bite.
From-Scratch Sauce: Instead of canned condensed soup, homemade cream sauce gives this casserole a fresher, richer flavor and creamier texture. You can taste the homemade, not overly processed difference!
Cheesy Tots: With layers of freshly shredded sharp cheddar below and on top of the tots, every bite is filled with gooey, melty cheese that binds the casserole together and complements the crispy tots.
Extra Beef: Made with a hearty portion of lean ground beef, this casserole is filling, satisfying, and protein-packed, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Customizable: Add different veggies, switch the protein, or adjust the spices to fit your taste—this recipe is versatile enough for endless variations while still delivering flavor fireworks.
Make Ahead: This recipe can be prepared ahead without the tots, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings. Add the tots and bake when ready, and dinner is served!

a scoop of recipe for tater tot casserole with ground beef and vegetables

Tater Tot Casserole ingredients

You’ll love that many of these ingredients are pantry and freezer friendly! Let’s take a closer at what you’ll need to make this recipe for Tater Tot Casserole (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Frozen Tater Tots: You’ll need one 32-oz. bag, but you won’t use quite all of them to cover the top of the casserole. Don’t thaw the tater tots before using them; rather, keeping them frozen helps them crisp up nicely during baking.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for savory deliciousness without the excess grease. You may also use ground turkey.
Aromatics: Yellow onion adds sweetness and aromatic pungency, while garlic adds savory depth. For extra lazy days, you may substitute 1 teaspoon onion powder and ¾ teaspoon garlic powder.
Vegetables:It’s best to use vegetables that won’t add additional moisture to the casserole. My favorites are canned green beans, corn, and frozen petite peas. They’re also easy to keep stocked!
Spices: The spices set this recipe apart! Chili powder, dried parsley, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper add layers of subtle warmth, herbaceous nuances, smoky depth, and earthy notes.
Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the sauce. You may use 2 tablespoons cornstarch whisked with the milk instead to make it gluten free.
Chicken Broth and Milk: The broth provides a savory base for the sauce, while milk adds creaminess. Any kind of milk will work here.
Soy Sauce: Using reduced sodium deepens the umami flavor while keeping saltiness in check.
Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang, enhancing the casserole’s balance.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang that brightens and balances the creaminess.
Worcestershire Sauce: Boosts the savory umami with a robust tanginess from its symphony of ingredients.
Beef Bouillon: Adds concentrated beefy richness. You may use 2 teaspoons granulated, base (like Better Than Bouillon or Zoup!) or 2 crushed cubes. Don’t dissolve any form in water before using.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce for creaminess and layers over the casserole for a gooey topping. Only use freshly shredded for the best flavor and meltability.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A ¼ cup adds tang and creaminess to the sauce, enhancing texture and flavor. You can skip it if you don’t keep it on hand.

top view of tater tot casserole ingredients: ground beef, tater tots, cheese, green beans, corn peas, chicken broth, milk, flour, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices

How to make Tater Tot Casserole

Let’s take a closer look at how to make Tater Tot Casserole with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: Brown Beef. Sauté the onions for 3 minutes, then add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add the garlic, and spices and cook for one minute.

showing how to make tater tot casserole by browning the beef and onions, then adding the spices

Step 2: Make the Roux. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and cook over medium heat for one minute.

showing how to make tater tot casserole by adding the flour to the beef and cooking to make a roux

Step 3: Make the Sauce. Reduce the heat to low, gradually stir in one cup of chicken broth, then the milk. Add the soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon, and Dijon. Bring the sauce to a simmer, whisking often, until thickened.

showing how to make tater tot casserole by adding chicken broth, milk, soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and spices to the beef

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Veggies. Remove from the heat and whisk in ½ cup of cheddar until melted followed by the sour cream. Stir in the green beans, corn, and peas.

showing how to make tater tot casserole by adding the cheese, frozen peas, green beans, and corn to the ground beef

Step 5: Add Tater Tots. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish. Top with ½ cup cheddar cheese and an even layer of tater tots (you won’t use the full bag).

showing how to make tater tot casserole by adding the beef mixture to the 9x13 and lining the frozen tater tots on the top

Step 6: Bake. Bake at 350 degrees F until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole bubbles around the edges. If desired, broil for a few minutes for extra crispy tots. Top the casserole with the remaining cheese and bake until the cheese is melted.

showing how to make tater tot casserole by baking the tater tot casserole, then adding cheese and baking 5 more minutes

How long to cook Tater Tot Casserole?

Bake the Tater Tot Casserole at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Baking it long enough ensures the filling heats thoroughly, the cheese melts, and the tots get crispy, giving the casserole its signature crunchy topping, which balances the creamy interior and prevents sogginess.

showing how to make tater tot casserole by baking until the cheese is melted

tater tot casserole Tips

Don’t Thaw the Tater Tots! Cooking the tots from frozen helps them stay crispy on top and prevents them from absorbing too much moisture from the casserole.
Drain Most of the Fat: With 1 ½ pounds of beef, you’ll likely have quite a bit of fat. Drain most of the fat to prevent a greasy casserole, but leave a couple of tablespoons because it’s needed for a successful roux. Fat coats the flour particles, which helps evenly distribute the starch within a liquid, preventing clumping and creating a smooth, stable texture.
Drain Vegetables Well: Using canned green beans and corn without properly draining them can introduce extra liquid into the casserole and make it watery, which can cause the tots to sink.
Sauté Raw Vegetables First: If you swap in any raw vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, etc., they must be sautéed first to cook and release moisture, which can otherwise make the casserole watery.
Simmer the Sauce Until Thickened: The consistency of the sauce before it goes in the oven is the consistency it will be when removed from the oven, so simmer until sufficiently thickened; otherwise, the casserole may be watery, and the tots will sink.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the texture and make the cheese melt less smoothly. Shredding cheese fresh results in a creamier sauce.
Check for Bubbly Edges: Check for doneness by looking for bubbling around the edges and a golden-brown crust on the tater tots.
Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a crunchier topping, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes at the end of the baking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

MEal Prep Tater Tot Casserole

This Tater Tot Casserole is a make-ahead dream! You can assemble it a day ahead of time or freeze it for later use.

To make ahead and serve later:

1. Assemble the casserole according to recipe instructions, but DON’T add the tater tops on top.
2. Tightly cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 48 hours.
4. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
5. Add the frozen tater tots and bake according to recipe directions, adding 10-15 minutes as needed.

a serving spoon of best tater tot casserole with juicy ground beef, green beans, corn, and peas

Best Tater Tot Casserole Variations

Swap protein: Use ground turkey or ground chicken.
Swap vegetables: Raw vegetables must be steamed or sautéed first so they are fully cooked and won’t release more moisture when baked. You can try sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
Cheesy Bacon Ranch: Swap in ranch seasoning and top the casserole with crispy bacon pieces and extra shredded cheese for a smoky, creamy twist.
Buffalo Chicken: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken and add buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy flavor. Top with ranch or blue cheese dressing before serving.
Mexican-Inspired: Season the ground beef with taco seasoning, add black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn, use enchilada sauce, and top with shredded Mexican cheese.
Breakfast Casserole: Replace the ground beef with breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese for a brunch-ready dish. See my Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole recipe <<<here.
Vegetarian: Omit the meat and bouillon and add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce for a hearty, meat-free option.
Gluten-Free: Omit the flour and whisk two tablespoons of cornstarch with the milk to make a slurry. Use tamari instead of soy sauce, gluten-free ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Double-check that the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free.

up close of cheesy tater tot casserole showing how cheesy it is

How to serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a versatile dish, ideal for family-style serving straight from the baking dish and perfect for casual gatherings or potlucks. To serve, let it rest for about 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set, making it easier to scoop and serve. For extra flair, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or chives, or even a dollop of sour cream on each portion.

Sides for Tater Tot Casserole

This Tater Tot Casserole is a meal-in-one and doesn’t need many sides. We love it served simply with a fresh salad such as wedge salad, apple salad, or fall salad and fresh fruit such as winter fruit salad.

Storing Recipe for Tater Tot Casserole

Allow the baked Tater Tot Casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess. Once cooled, cover the casserole with foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

How to reheat Tater Tot Casserole REcipe

-Microwave: Warm individual servings on a microwave-safe plate for about one minute or until warm. I like to cut my slice in half first so it warms evenly.
-Oven: Reheat the entire pan by covering with foil and baking at 325 degrees F for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Can you freeze Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes! Note, the tater tots won’t be as crispy but still tasty.

1. Let the casserole cool completely. It is best to let it chill overnight in the refrigerator before freezing.
2. Freeze the entire baking dish by covering it with two layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil, OR portion the casserole into small servings and transfer slices to sealable plastic bags or small airtight containers.
3. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. You can reheat individual servings straight from frozen on a microwave-safe plate.
5. To reheat the entire casserole, let it thaw entirely overnight. Cover and bake at 325 degrees F until heated through, approximately 20 minutes.

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe FAQs

Do you cover tater tot casserole with foil?

Yes! If you cover the tater tot casserole with foil, the tater tots won’t become crispy because they will steam. If you don’t cover the casserole with foil, the tots will bake and crisp up more, giving it a golden, crunchy topping.

Why is my tater tot casserole soggy?

soggy tater tot casserole can result from a few factors:

1. Not simmering the sauce long enough: The sauce should be simmered until thickened, otherwise there will be excess moisture which can make the casserole watery.
2. Not baking long enough: Tater tot casseroles need enough time in the oven to allow the moisture to evaporate, and for the tater tots to crisp up. If not baked long enough, the top may not firm up and the casserole will stay soggy.
3. Covered during baking: If you cover the casserole with foil while baking, it traps steam, which can make the tater tots soggy. Leaving it uncovered allows the top to crisp up and any excess moisture to evaporate.

Should I thaw tater tots before baking?

You shouldn’t thaw tater tots before baking them in a casserole because they can become soggy and lose their crispy texture. Baking them directly from frozen helps maintain their crunch, ensuring they hold their shape and texture better during cooking. Frozen tater tots will cook more evenly when placed in the casserole without thawing.

serving tater tot casserole on a plate garnished with parsley

Looking for more Casserole Recipes?

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Beef Enchilada Casserole
Taco Pasta Bake
Mexican Lasagna
Shepherd’s Pie
Baked Spaghetti
Chicken Divan
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Chicken Lasagna

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Total Time: 1 5

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 45

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Ingredients

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp EACH chili powder, dried parsley
1/2 tsp EACH smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 32-oz. bag frozen Tater Tots® (DON'T THAW)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cream Sauce

1/4 cup flour
1¼ cups low sodium chicken broth, divided
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons beef bouillon, (granulated, base or crushed cubes)
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
8 oz. (2 packed cups) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 15 oz. can green beans, drained
1 cup sweet corn (canned and drained or frozen, not thawed)
1 cup petite frozen peas, not thawed

Instructions

Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9"x 13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, then set aside.
Brown Beef: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for three minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain the excess grease. Add the garlic and spices and cook for one minute.
Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and cook over medium heat for one minute. Reduce the heat to low, gradually stir in one cup of chicken broth, then the milk. Add the soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon, and Dijon.
Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer, whisking often, until thickened, about 7 minutes. Whatever consistency the sauce is now is the consistency it will be after being baked, so simmer accordingly. You want it quite thick so the tater tots don't sink and get swallowed by the sauce.
Add Cheese & Veggies: Remove from the heat and whisk in ½ cup of shredded cheddar until melted, followed by the sour cream/yogurt. Stir in the green beans, corn, and peas. If needed, stir in the extra ¼ cup chicken broth so it's thick but a little saucy. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired.
Combine: Transfer to the prepared casserole dish. Top with ½ cup cheddar cheese and an even layer of tater tots (you won’t use the full bag).
Bake: Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole bubbles around the edges. If desired, broil for a few minutes for extra crispy tots.
Add Cheese: Top the casserole with the remaining cheese and bake at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

See the post for tips, tricks, and variations!

Prep Ahead

Assemble the casserole according to recipe instructions, but DON’T add the tater tops on top.
Tightly cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 48 hours.
When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Add the frozen tater tots and bake according to recipe directions, adding 10-15 minutes as needed.