Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Beef & Tater Tot Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole. It’s got seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, colorful veggies, and a golden crown of crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends just toss it together, bake, and dig in!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion and garlic until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour milk over the beef mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer across the top.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy the cozy goodness!
Variation
- Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this casserole. These options are leaner but still bring plenty of flavor—just be sure to season generously to bring out their best.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or hearty lentils instead of beef. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to bulk it up and keep that satisfying texture.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, mix in some diced green chiles, a dash of cayenne, or a few slices of fresh jalapeño. You can even use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
Cooking Notes
- Drain the Fat Well: After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain off the excess fat. This keeps the final dish from becoming greasy and helps the flavors shine through.
- Don’t Skip the Milk: The milk helps loosen the beef mixture and creates a creamier texture once baked. If you prefer, you can substitute with half-and-half or even a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
- Tater Tot Placement Matters: Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer on top—this helps them get evenly crispy. No overlapping means maximum crunch in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Crisp Salad: Serve this rich casserole alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Add a Side of Fruit or Applesauce: For a kid-friendly touch or a sweeter contrast, a small bowl of applesauce or fresh fruit can complement the savory bake beautifully.
- Turn It Into a Brunch Dish: Believe it or not, this dish makes an excellent brunch option. Add a fried or poached egg on top, and you’ve got a hearty, crowd-pleasing morning meal.
Tips
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5–10 minutes. This helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
- Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well—either fully baked or prepped and unbaked. Just be sure to wrap tightly, and when ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F until heated through and bubbly.
- Customize the Veggies: Use what you have! Frozen peas, corn, green beans, or even chopped fresh spinach all work well. It’s a great way to clean out the freezer or sneak in some extra nutrients.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven—add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. - Can I freeze Cheesy Beef & Tater Tot Bake?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap the dish in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake (covered with foil) at 375°F until hot and bubbly—about 45–50 minutes. - What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can also mix in mozzarella for extra stretchiness, or go bold with sharp cheddar or a smoky gouda. Feel free to experiment with whatever cheese you have on hand. - Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?
Nope! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works just as well. You can also make your own creamy base with a roux, milk, and broth if you prefer to go the homemade route.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef & Tater Tot Bake is the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or stocking your freezer with comforting meals, this casserole checks all the boxes. Serve it up, dig in, and enjoy every cheesy, crispy, cozy bite!
Print
Cheesy Beef & Tater Tot Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Beef & Tater Tot Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole. It’s got seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, colorful veggies, and a golden crown of crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends just toss it together, bake, and dig in!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion and garlic until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour milk over the beef mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer across the top.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy the cozy goodness!
Notes
- Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days—great for next-day lunches!
- Want it extra cheesy? Add another 1/2 cup of cheddar just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: tater tot casserole, cheesy beef bake, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner