This classic Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Featuring a savory, seasoned ground beef and vegetable filling smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with an ocean of ultra-crispy tater tots, it’s a guaranteed family favorite that always leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Filling:
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1.5 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, and green beans)
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1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
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½ cup low-sodium beef broth or milk
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
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1 bag (approx. 28 to 32 oz) frozen tater tots
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1.5 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.
2. Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Creamy Filling
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth (or milk), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper directly into the skillet until smooth. Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle half (¾ cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the filling.
5. Layer the Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in neat, even rows across the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface so no filling peeks through. (Tip: For maximum crispiness, stand them up vertically or press them gently into a snug single layer).
6. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are deeply golden, extra crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
7. Add Final Cheese and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of cheddar cheese over the hot tater tots and return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm!
