Tater Tot Casserole is everything you want in a hearty casserole. Loaded with ground beef, mixed vegetables, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots, this dish is a complete meal all in one. It’s easy to make in advance, transports well, and the leftovers taste just as good as the original!
I don’t know about you, but I’m ALWAYS on the lookout for easy dinner recipes. And if I can find recipes that are a complete meal all in one? Even better. Especially when they’re something the whole family loves.
This Tater Tot Casserole (aka Hotdish) is one of our weeknight favorites, and fits the bill on all accounts. Originally published in a community cookbook in the 1930’s, this dish has its roots in the state of Minnesota. Which is no wonder… because it’s the perfect cold weather casserole recipe!
It’s also easy to make, can be prepped in advance, and it’s packed with ingredients that no one will complain about. Which… for anyone who has kids… is always a small miracle.
ingredients & substitutions
One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make adjustments to. Whether you want to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, mix up the vegetables, or use a different kind of seasoning or soup, the possibilities are endless.
Ground beef – Substitute ground turkey, ground chicken or a meatless “ground beef” option. You can also add garlic, onion, and/or mushrooms to the mixture for additional flavor.
French onion soup mix – Use homemade Onion Soup Mix OR substitute Italian or Ranch dressing mix.
Cream of onion soup – Use any flavor of canned cream soup OR homemade cream of chicken soup.
Frozen mixed vegetables – Use frozen green beans or any vegetable blend OR substitute fresh steamed vegetables.
Cheese – Use any variety of cheese your family prefers.
Tater tots – Substitute sweet potato tots for a fun flavor twist.
how to make tater tot casserole
Brown the meat. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or whatever type of meat you’re using.
Add the soups. Stir in French onion soup mix and 1 can cream of onion soup.
Assemble the casserole. Spread mixture in a 9×13 inch pan; top with frozen mixed veggies, shredded cheese, and frozen tater tots. Season with salt & pepper.
Bake. Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 1 hour.
how to make it in advance
- To make it and bake it later the same day, simply prepare it according to recipe instructions, then cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Since the veggies and tater tots will at least partially thaw in the fridge, you can reduce the baking time to 30-45 minutes.
- To make it further ahead, simply prepare it according to recipe instructions, then cover it and freeze it until ready to bake. Since the entire casserole will be frozen solid, you will need to increase the baking time to 60-90 minutes.
Storing & Reheating
You can store leftovers, covered and refrigerated, in the 9×13 inch pan the casserole was baked in. Alternately, you can transfer leftovers to a sealed container and refrigerate until ready to use. Leftovers should be eaten within 3-4 days. To reheat: cover leftovers in pan with foil; reheat in the oven at 350° for 30 minutes.
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Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef browned and drained
- 1 ounce onion soup mix
- 1 can can cream of onion soup (10.5 ounce)
- 10 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups colby jack or cheddar cheese shredded
- 16 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Brown ground beef until no pink remains; drain grease.
- Add French onion soup mix and cream of onion soup; stir to combine.
- Spread mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Top with frozen veggies, shredded cheese, and tater tots.
- Cover with foil; bake for 45 minutes – 1 hour or until heated through.
Notes
Make-ahead instructions:
- To make it and bake it later the same day, simply prepare it according to recipe instructions, then cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Since the veggies and tater tots will at least partially thaw in the fridge, you can reduce the baking time to 30-45 minutes.
- To make it further ahead, simply prepare it according to recipe instructions, then cover it and freeze it until ready to bake. Since the entire casserole will be frozen solid, you will need to increase the baking time to 60-90 minutes.
Storing & Reheating:
You can store leftovers, covered and refrigerated, in the 9×13 inch pan the casserole was baked in. Alternately, you can transfer leftovers to a sealed container and refrigerate until ready to use. Leftovers should be eaten within 3-4 days. To reheat: cover leftovers in pan with foil; reheat in the oven at 350° for 30 minutes.Nutrition
Malissa says
I’ve never been a fan on tator tot casserole, but it was requested tonight. When I saw your recipe, I knew I had to try it. Everyone loved it and went up for second. I really enjoyed it as well. Saving and putting in my rotation.
Cathy Trochelman says
So happy to hear your crew enjoyed it! (Mine did too!!)
Trudi Snediker says
I think the 9×13 dish is too big. I fixed mine in a 10×10 and liked it a lot better.
Constance Graska says
I made the recipe as written with the exception of swapping the beef for turkey. My husband and I both agreed it was too salty and too “onion-y.” Maybe I’ll try it with just the cream of onion soup and not the French onion packet?
Al says
I like to use Tostitos Salsa Con Queso Medium for the cheese and mix it with the veggies it kinda gives it
a little of a kick.
Cathy Trochelman says
That sounds delicious! Thanks for the suggestion!