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.
You’ll love this Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
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):
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):
How long to cook Tater Tot Casserole?
Bake the Tater Tot Casserole at 350ยฐF 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.
tater tot casserole Tips
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 DONโT 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.
Best Tater Tot Casserole Variations
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 doesnโt 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 wonโt 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
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.
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.
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.
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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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
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Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ 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 dried thyme, salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper, smoked paprika
- 1 32-oz. bag frozen Tater Totsยฎ (DON'T THAW)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cream Sauce
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1ยผ 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 ยฝ 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 sautรฉ 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 wonโt 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
Prep Ahead
- Assemble the casserole according to recipe instructions, but DONโT add the tater tops on top.ย
- 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.
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Dave C says
I think i’ll use black beans, corn, and a can of Rotel green chilis
Jen says
Sounds delicious!