Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole (Easy Family Dinner Recipe)

Some recipes don’t try to be fancy—and that’s exactly why we love them. This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is one of those comforting, no-fuss meals that brings everyone to the table without complaint. It’s the kind of dish you make on a busy weeknight, when you want something hearty, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

For many families, this casserole becomes a tradition. It’s warm, filling, kid-approved, and incredibly easy to throw together using simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving classic comfort food, this tater tot casserole delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Pure comfort food – Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy golden tater tots

Easy weeknight dinner – Simple steps and minimal prep

Family-friendly – A hit with both kids and adults

Budget-conscious – Uses affordable, everyday ingredients

Perfect for leftovers – Reheats beautifully the next day

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground beef or ground turkey

Yellow onion, diced

Garlic cloves, minced

Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

Sour cream

Shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Frozen tater tots

Worcestershire sauce

Salt and black pepper

Paprika (optional, for color)

Green onions (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole comes together in just a few easy steps and uses one skillet plus one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) with the diced onion until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling

Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Crispy

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Add More Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tots and return to the oven for 5 more minutes, until melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite.

Tips & Variations

Swap the protein: Ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter option.

Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella or Monterey Jack for even more meltiness.

Add veggies: Stir in frozen corn, peas, or green beans for extra texture.

Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.

Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through.

Freezing: This casserole freezes well after baking—perfect for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Tater tots work best for crispiness, but diced roasted potatoes can be used in a pinch.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
No—use them straight from the freezer for the best texture.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free condensed soup.

What goes well with tater tot casserole?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables balance out the richness perfectly.

📖 Recipe Card: Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika (optional)

2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Brown ground beef with onion over medium heat; drain excess grease.

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, half the cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Spread mixture into baking dish and top with frozen tater tots.

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until golden.

Add remaining cheese and bake 5 more minutes.

Garnish with green onions and serve hot.