Name: Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional); ¼ cup flour; 1¼ cups low sodium chicken broth, divided; 1 cup milk; 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons beef bouillon (granulated, base or crushed cubes); 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard; 8 oz. (2 packed cups) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 15 oz. can green beans, drained; 1 cup sweet corn (canned and drained or frozen, not thawed); 1 cup petite frozen peas, not thawed; 1 32-oz. bag frozen Tater Tots® (DON'T THAW)

There's something incredibly comforting about this classic casserole that brings everyone to the table with smiles. The golden, crispy tater tots melting into a luscious cheesy sauce make this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe an all-time favorite that's just as perfect for a weeknight dinner as it is for a cozy family gathering.

This image shows a rectangular white dish with a blue handle filled with a baked casserole. The top layer has golden-brown tater tots covered with melted orange cheese and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. A scoop has been removed from the bottom left corner, revealing a layer of browned ground meat mixed with corn and sauce underneath. A woman's hand is holding a silver spatula lifting a portion of the casserole. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with some green herbs scattered around and a striped cloth towel nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, this casserole has been my go-to when I want something hearty with minimal fuss. The layers of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, tender veggies, and those irresistible tater tots on top—it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that warms the soul every single time.

Easy Weeknight Meal: You can pull this together quickly with pantry staples and frozen veggies, making dinner stress-free.
Comfort Food Classic: The cheesy, crispy textures combine perfectly for that ultimate cozy feel.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike love it—sometimes it’s the only way I can get my picky eater to eat greens!
Versatile & Customizable: You can swap veggies, add spices, or personalize it just the way you like.

A white baking dish filled with a layered casserole showing three clear layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat, green peas, and yellow corn, the middle layer is golden brown crispy tater tots arranged tightly, and the top layer is melted orange cheddar cheese sprinkled with chopped green parsley. A metal spoon is scooping out a portion from the front corner, revealing the layers inside. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is all in its balanced layers—meaty, creamy, cheesy, and crunchy. Each ingredient plays its part to make the dish satisfying but never overwhelming. Shopping tip: grab freshly shredded sharp cheddar if you can—it melts better and has a bolder flavor than pre-shredded.

Flat lay of lean ground beef, a small white bowl of olive oil, a whole yellow onion, three garlic cloves, small white bowls each containing chili powder, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl of milk, small white bowls of reduced-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, granulated beef bouillon, Dijon mustard, two packed cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of sour cream, fresh green beans, sweet corn kernels, petite green peas, and a small bunch of fresh parsley, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein without too much fat, which helps keep the casserole from being greasy.
Olive oil: For sautéing the onion and beef just right, giving a nice richness without overpowering the flavors.
Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed, balancing the savory beef.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic amps up flavor—mince them finely so they blend in beautifully.
Spices (chili powder, parsley, thyme, smoked paprika): These create a gentle warmth and aromatics that make the sauce flavorful but not spicy-hot.
Frozen Tater Tots: The star of the dish! Keep them frozen so they crisp up perfectly on top.
Cream sauce ingredients (flour, chicken broth, milk, soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, Dijon mustard): These build a luscious, thick sauce packed with umami and tang that clings to every bite.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melted into the sauce and sprinkled on top for gooey, cheesy goodness and that golden crust.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that brightens the casserole.
Green beans, corn, peas: These veggies add color, texture, and nutrition without fuss—plus a sweet-savory contrast.
Fresh parsley: Optional garnish for a fresh, herbaceous finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to mix and match add-ins depending on what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your tastes—you'll find that little adjustments can make it feel new every time you make it.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the green beans for fresh mushrooms or broccoli florets—both add a delicious twist and extra texture.
Vegetarian option: Try replacing the ground beef with seasoned lentils or a meatless crumble to enjoy this as a meat-free dinner.
Spice it up: Adding a dash of cayenne or chipotle powder makes for a smoky kick that my family loves.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce, and be sure to check your soy sauce; tamari is a good substitute.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about three minutes until translucent and fragrant. Then add the lean ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until it's fully browned. Don’t rush this step — properly browning the beef adds lots of flavor. Once browned, drain any excess grease so the casserole won’t be greasy. Stir in minced garlic and your spices, cooking for just a minute to bring out their aroma.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Cream Sauce

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture, stirring constantly over medium heat for about a minute—this cooks off the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce. Lower the heat to low, then slowly add a cup of chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Next, add the milk, soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, and Dijon mustard. Keep whisking until everything is combined seamlessly.

Step 3: Simmer Until Thickened

Bring the sauce to a steady simmer, whisking regularly so it doesn't stick to the pot. This should take about 7 minutes. Don’t rush it here; the sauce needs to get thick enough to hold up under the tater tots so they won’t sink. Aim for the consistency of a creamy gravy.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Veggies

Remove your sauce from the heat and whisk in half of the shredded cheddar until melted and silky smooth. Next, stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and fold in the green beans, corn, and peas. If it feels too thick at this point, splash in a little extra broth to keep it saucy but not soupy. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the creamy beef and veggie mixture into your prepared 9"x 13" baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Then arrange a single, even layer of frozen tater tots right on top—you won’t need the whole bag, so save the rest for snacks! Pop the casserole into your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until you see golden-brown tots and bubbling sauce edges. If you like an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end—just watch closely so they don't burn!

Step 6: Final Cheese Touch and Rest

Once you take the casserole out, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return it to the oven for about 5 minutes until gooey and melted. Let it cool on the counter for 10 minutes before serving—that little wait helps everything set perfectly so your scoop holds together.

Top Tip

Making this cheesy tater tot masterpiece isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about technique and timing. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this casserole from good to unforgettable.

Don’t thaw the tots: Heading straight from freezer to oven ensures those crispy tops you’re dreaming of—thawing makes them soggy.
Simmer sauce slow and steady: Rushing the sauce thickness step can result in a runny casserole; trust the time it takes to get that perfect gravy consistency.
Use freshly shredded cheddar: It melts better and gives that sharp, tangy flavor that canned cheese just can’t match.
Let it rest: Sitting for 10 minutes post-bake lets the flavors settle and the casserole slice neatly instead of falling apart.

How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over this casserole. It adds a little pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on the side also adds a creamy coolness that pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is rich and filling, I like to serve it alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for a fresh, lighter counterpoint. Classic steamed broccoli or a vibrant kale salad works incredibly well to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a potluck, I sometimes make individual ramekin-size versions of this casserole—simple, personal portions that make serving a breeze. For holidays, topping with extra cheese and broiling till bubbly creates an irresistible golden crust that really impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat, the casserole can become a bit less crispy on top, but the cheesy, creamy layers remain just as comforting.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well if you assemble it without the tater tots on top. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. When you're ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, add fresh frozen tater tots, and bake. This trick keeps the tots delightfully crispy.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warm throughout. For a crisp top, uncover for the last 5 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the tots soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

You can, but it’s not quite the same. Fresh potatoes need to be par-cooked and definitely won’t crisp up as easily as frozen tater tots. The frozen tots add the perfect crunchy topping with minimal effort.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a combination of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar works well to maintain that umami depth in the cream sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

To make this casserole dairy-free, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, and substitute vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Also, swap sour cream with a dairy-free version or omit it altogether. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will shift slightly.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

The key is to not thaw the tots before baking and to place them on top of a thick, thickened sauce. For extra crispiness, broil for a couple of minutes at the end but watch carefully so they don’t burn.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe feels like a hug in a dish. It’s been a crowd-pleaser in my home for years, perfect for those nights when you want comfort food that’s straightforward and filling. Give it a try—I promise, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again for that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, meaty, and crispy goodness.