Name: Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 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 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 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 32-oz. bag frozen Tater Tots® (DO NOT THAW); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma and your heart with nostalgia. It’s the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, cheesy, and hearty—every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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’ve made this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe countless times when friends or family come over, and it never disappoints. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and has that unbeatable tater tot crunch on top that everyone raves about.

Comfort Food Classic: A cozy combination of ground beef, creamy sauce, and golden tater tots that’s irresistibly satisfying.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry, making it an easy weeknight winner.
Customizable: You can swap veggies or spices to match your family’s tastes or dietary needs without losing its charm.
Feeds a Crowd: It’s generous and filling, perfect for potlucks, leftovers, or feeding hungry teens.

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

This dish marries simple, flavorful ingredients that work in harmony to create a hearty, cheesy casserole. The ground beef and creamy sauce provide richness, while the tater tots on top add texture and that coveted golden crunch.

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: Provides savory depth without too much grease; draining cooked beef keeps the casserole from getting oily.
Olive Oil: To gently sauté onions and develop flavor without overpowering the dish.
Yellow Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base.
Spices (chili powder, parsley, thyme, smoked paprika): These add warmth and subtle complexity without overwhelming the dish.
Frozen Tater Tots: The secret to that crispy, golden topping everyone loves—don’t thaw them before baking!
Flour: The thickening agent for the cream sauce, ensuring it clings perfectly to the beef and veggies.
Chicken Broth and Milk: Create a creamy, flavorful base in the sauce without heaviness.
Soy Sauce, Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: These add umami and tang that deepen the flavor profile.
Beef Bouillon and Dijon Mustard: Enhance the savory notes and give brightness to the sauce.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce for richness and tops the casserole for melty, gooey goodness.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the flavors beautifully.
Green Beans, Corn, and Peas: Bring color, texture, and a touch of sweetness to the casserole.

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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 of my favorite things about this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over time, I’ve swapped veggies or played with spices to suit my mood and guests’ preferences—you should definitely do the same!

Variation: I’ve tried adding some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick—perfect if you love a little heat.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef, and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
Seasonal Veggies: Swap the peas and corn for fresh asparagus or roasted bell peppers during spring and summer for a fresh twist.
Cheese Variations: Mix in pepper jack or smoked gouda with the cheddar to add layers of flavor.

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

Step 1: Build the Flavorful Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté for about three minutes until they start to soften. Then add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease—that keeps the casserole from getting soggy. Stir in the minced garlic and spices (like chili powder and smoked paprika), cooking for just a minute to wake up their flavors without burning.

Step 2: Create the Cream Sauce

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir it around for a minute to cook off the raw taste. Then reduce your heat to low and gradually whisk in one cup of chicken broth, followed by the milk. Keep stirring to prevent lumps. Add the soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon, and Dijon mustard, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Whisk frequently as it thickens—this usually takes around 7 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to hold the tater tots on top without sinking.

Step 3: Stir in Cheese and Veggies

Take the sauce off the heat and whisk in half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly. Then fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Add the drained green beans, corn, and peas, and if the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little more chicken broth until it’s just saucy enough. Taste and add salt or pepper if you want.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour your casserole mixture into a sprayed 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese on top. Now comes the fun part—arrange your frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Don’t thaw them! Pop the dish into a 350°F oven for 45-50 minutes until the tots turn a gorgeous golden brown and the edges bubble. If you want those tots extra-crispy, switch your oven to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end—but watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 5: Finish with More Cheese and Rest

Sprinkle the casserole with the last handful of cheese and bake for another 5 minutes or until melted and gooey. Let it rest for about 10 minutes once out of the oven; this helps everything set just enough for easy serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds such a nice pop of color and freshness!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe to the next level, especially when it comes to texture and flavor balance.

Keep the Tots Frozen: Never thaw tater tots before baking—they crisp up so much better straight from the freezer.
Simmer Sauce Thoroughly: Take your time thickening the cream sauce; it should be thick enough to hold the tots on top without sinking.
Browning the Beef Well: Brown the beef and onions over medium-high heat and drain the fat completely—otherwise, the casserole can turn watery.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit at least 10 minutes after baking to make scooping easier and keep layers intact.

How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always use fresh chopped parsley as a garnish because it brightens up the plate and adds a fresh, lightly herbal note that balances the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar on top right after baking, too, for peak cheesiness.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a one-dish meal but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or steamed broccoli to add a fresh element to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I like to bake this casserole in smaller, individual ramekins—it makes serving elegant and lets guests enjoy their own perfectly crispy tater tot topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating it gently in the oven or air fryer to revive that crispy tater tot top—microwaving often softens it too much.

Freezing

You can freeze the whole casserole (without the tater tots on top) by assembling it, covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freezing for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the frozen tots, and bake as usual, adding 10–15 minutes.

Reheating

For reheating, I preheat the oven to 350°F and bake leftovers uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through with a crispy top. If you want to crisp things up even more, finish with a quick broil for a minute or two.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 48 hours ahead, just don’t add the tater tots until you’re ready to bake. This helps keep the tots crispy and fresh during baking.

What vegetables work best in this casserole?

Green beans, corn, and peas are classic additions that add color and texture, but you can easily swap in other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli based on what you have or prefer.

How do I ensure the sauce isn’t too runny?

Simmer the cream sauce long enough to thicken it before assembling the casserole. It should be thick enough to coat the beef and veggies well so the tater tots don’t sink. Don’t hesitate to add an extra splash of broth if it feels too thick or a bit more flour mixed in if it’s too thin.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce and double-check that your soy sauce and bouillon are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s so reliably delicious and adaptable. It’s truly the kind of meal I reach for when I want something warm, filling, and a little indulgent without a lot of fuss. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how this humble casserole can become a family favorite and your go-to comfort food.