Can I make tater tot casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and top it with frozen tater tots up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for busy nights or when you are cooking tater tot casserole for a crowd .

How do I make it vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or extra vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers add texture and flavor. Use a vegetarian condensed soup to keep it completely meat-free.

Yes, it is a very freezer-friendly tater tot casserole . You can freeze it baked or unbaked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time until the center is hot.

How do I make tater tots extra crispy?

For the crispiest topping, keep the tater tots frozen until baking. Bake uncovered on the center oven rack so heat circulates evenly. For an extra crunch, broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.

Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Description

This Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is a family favorite that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and full of comforting flavor. With seasoned ground meat, mixed vegetables, creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots on top, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, gatherings, or even meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the baking dish

Ingredient Tip: You can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen. Just blanch them briefly before adding to the casserole.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Season: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder while cooking for even flavor. Drain excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
Mix the Filling: Stir in frozen vegetables and the can of soup until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer, placing them close together for maximum crispiness.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Add Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking. Bake until melted.
Optional: For an extra-crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to help the layers set.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Delicious with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Storage and Reheating:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use cream of cheddar soup instead of mushroom or chicken. You can also swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Meat Casseroles
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 430
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: tater tot casserole, cheesy casserole, easy weeknight dinner