Tater Tot Casserole
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This Tater Tot Casserole has been a staple in my kitchen for over 25 years—ever since I first got married. I originally got the recipe from a dear friend, but over time I’ve made it my own with a few tweaks and personal touches. It’s one of those tried-and-true comfort meals that my husband absolutely adores, and even after all these years, it still brings a smile to his face.
Back in our newlywed days, I used to make a full pan regularly. We’d enjoy it for dinner, then pack up the leftovers for work lunches the next day. I’ll admit, I may have overdone it a bit back then—I definitely reached my limit for a while! But my husband? He’s never once gotten tired of it. Now I like to surprise him with it every so often, and it always feels like a little nostalgic treat. It might not be the most photogenic dish on the blog, but what it lacks in looks, it more than makes up for in flavor.
The magic starts with a layer of tater tots, which form the hearty base of the casserole. On top of that goes a layer of sweet corn and a rich, creamy ground beef mixture that’s full of savory flavor. And of course, no casserole is complete without a generous topping of melty, gooey cheese that bubbles up golden in the oven. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of cozy, family-approved goodness.
Ingredients for Easy Tater Tot Casserole
- GROUND BEEF
- ONION
- CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP
- MILK
- TATER TOTS
- CORN
- CHEDDAR CHEESE
Instructions for Tater Tot Casserole RECIPE
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats, cook ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole light and flavorful.
Next, stir in cream of mushroom soup and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set it aside while you build the casserole layers.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange an even layer of frozen tater tots across the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle corn evenly over the tots, then pour the creamy beef mixture on top, spreading it out to cover everything.
Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, then cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for a few more minutes—just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Let it cool slightly before serving. This cozy, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for busy weeknights or nostalgic weekend dinners!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh or canned corn instead of frozen?
Yes! Frozen, canned, or fresh corn all work well. Just make sure canned corn is drained, and fresh corn is cooked or blanched for best texture.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
Nope—use them straight from the freezer. They’ll cook perfectly in the oven and help hold the casserole together.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely. You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or a shredded blend for extra flavor and meltiness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely, cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I use different veggies or other mix-ins?
Sure! You can swap the corn for green beans, peas, or mixed vegetables. You can also try adding bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Tater Tot Tacos
- Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
- Tater Tot Egg Bites
Tater Tot Casserole
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 21 ½ oz cream of mushroom soup two 10 3/4 oz cans
- 1 cup milk
- 32 oz pkg tater tots
- 15 oz can corn drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion until fully cooked; drain of grease.
- Add soup and milk to meat mixed and stir until well combined; set aside.
- Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and place tater tots in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle corn over the tater tots and then pour meat mixture over the corn and tater tots.
- Sprinkle with cheese and cover with foil. Bake for 35 minutes at 375. Remove foil and place back in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
