Layers of beef, veggies, melty cheese, and crispy golden tots make this tatertot casserole a true comfort food classic!

This is a great family friendly budget dinner option for busy weeknights!

Why this recipe works

There are so many different variations of this midwest hot dish out there from beef to venison and even BBQ chicken tater tot skillet or chicken pot pie tater tot casserole. It doesn’t matter what version of this dish you try, you’ll understand why it’s so popular.

Tatertot casserole typically consists of a mixture of beef (or any kind of protein you prefer), cream of mushroom soup, frozen or canned veggies, shredded cheese, and frozen tater tots. It’s not only an affordable meal, but it’s quick and easy which we can all appreciate on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BEEF – If you’d like to substitute a lean meat such as ground turkey or chicken, use a tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet to help sautee the meat and onions.

TATER TOTS – I’ve found that different brands of tatertots brown differently. I like to use “Golden” tatertots and also brush with butter for the best golden color on the finished dish.

CHEESE – 2 cups of grated cheese provide a nice, cheesy layer. You can reduce the amount by half for a lighter sprinkle of cheese. I always recommend shredding a block of cheese yourself over buying pre-bagged shredded cheese as pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents which prevent it from melting as well.

VEGGIES – You can use either frozen or canned veggies for this recipe. Choose the type of vegetables you like the most for this dish. Anything from corn, green beans, broccoli, peas, bell peppers, and carrots make great options.

How to Make Tatertot Casserole

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
Add minced garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper and saute for 1-2 minutes longer, until garlic is fragrant.
Stir in cream of mushroom soup and frozen vegetables over medium heat, until well combined.
Layer warm beef mixture in a 9×13 casserole dish.
Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Top with tater tots in an even layer. They can be spread over the top or lined in neat little rows. It tastes the same either way!
Brush the melted butter over the tatertots.
Bake for about 40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Can I freeze tatertot casserole?

Yes, this tatertot casserole can be assembled in advance and frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap well with plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to bake. Allow the casserole to sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven to take the chill off. Unless you are using an aluminum baking tray, I would not suggest baking this casserole from frozen (you never want to put cold glass into the oven).

How do I store leftover tatertot casserole?

Store leftovers covered with an air-tight lid or wrapped with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Tatertot casserole has all the fixin’s from veggies to protein and a starch (tater tots). So it’s basically an all-in-one dinner that doesn’t really need a side, however, you can serve it up with a dinner salad if you would like.

More Casserole Recipes

Looking for even more ground beef ideas? See our collection of 90 best ground beef recipes here.

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!