Tater Tot Hotdish Comfort Food Classic

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef My Easy Hotdish

By Cameron BlytheSeptember 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for proper comfort food ? Honestly, this tater tot casserole with ground beef is it! It's like a warm hug in a dish.

Plus, it tastes amazing! It’s a total winner.

Brief Overview

This tater tot hotdish is a Midwest classic. It's a simple, satisfying meal, originating perhaps from resourceful home cooks. You can whip this easy casserole recipe up in under an hour.

The recipe yields 6-8 servings. So, it’s ideal for family or feeding a crowd.

Main Benefits

Packed with protein from the ground beef , this ground beef casserole is super filling. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner recipe or a potluck.

What makes this recipe special? It's endlessly adaptable and creates amazing cheesy tater tot casserole. It's something the whole family enjoys.

It's great for family dinner ideas.

Thinking of making this? Then let's dive in, shall we?

What You'll Need For This Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Get the ingredients and get ready! We can make some magic happen.

For the Beef & Veggie Base:

1 pound (450g) ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tater Tot Topping:

1 bag of frozen tater tots

Optional Cheese Topping:

Shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make This Easy Casserole Recipe

Ready to get cooking? I thought so!

Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C). Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody likes a greasy casserole!

Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook until softened, then add the minced garlic. Next, stir in the soup, diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and Worcestershire sauce.

Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the beef mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.

Bake for 30- 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Sprinkle with cheese in the last 5 minutes. It's as simple as that!

Tips and Variations on ground beef tater tot casserole

Tater Tot Hotdish Comfort Food Classic presentation

Want to add a spicy kick? Chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils.

Feel free to use cream of chicken or celery soup. You can substitute the mixed vegetables for fresh ones, too.

I have some other quick casserole recipes ! Don't be afraid to experiment, yeah?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Right then, let's have a chinwag about what you'll need for this champion tater tot hotdish . Honestly, it's simpler than brewing a cuppa, so don't fret.

This easy casserole recipe is perfect even if you're a bit of a novice in the kitchen. I reckon you'll nail it.

Main Ingredients for this Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g). Go for an 80/20 blend. It's got enough fat for flavour, but you'll still want to drain it off after browning. Quality is key here. Look for bright red beef, not grey or brown.
Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup . Yellow onions are your best bet for general use.
Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium , chopped. Again, around 1 cup .
Garlic: 1 clove , minced. If you're feeling lazy, garlic granules are fine. But fresh is always best.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce/305g) can . Now, if you're not a fan, cream of celery or chicken will do.
Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: 1 (10 ounce/283g) can . Rotel is the classic, undrained, mind. Adds a bit of zing!
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: 1 cup (240ml). Corn, peas, carrots – the usual suspects. Any mix you like will work.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon . This is essential . It adds a savoury depth that's just brilliant.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . Adjust to taste, of course.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . Freshly ground is always better.
Tater Tots: 1 (32 ounce/907g) bag . The star of the show! Don't scrimp. You want a good tater tot topping .
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional): 1 cup (115g). Cheddar's classic, but any cheese you fancy will do.

Seasoning Notes for this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Worcestershire sauce is the real MVP here. It brings that umami kick. For extra flavour, a pinch of smoked paprika is grand.

And honestly, don't be shy with the salt and pepper. This ground beef tater tot casserole recipe needs seasoning!

If you're out of Worcestershire, soy sauce is a decent sub. Just use a bit less as it's stronger.

Equipment Needed for the Family Dinner Ideas

Keep it simple, eh?

Large Skillet or Dutch Oven . For browning the beef and sautéing the veg.
9x13 inch Baking Dish . Essential for assembling your ground beef casserole. A similar sized casserole dish will work too.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula . For stirring and scraping.

You don't need fancy gadgets for this quick casserole recipes . Just the basics. A tin opener for the soup, of course. This weeknight dinner recipe is all about ease.

So there you have it! Everything you need to get started on this cracking tater tot casserole with ground beef.

Let's move on to the instructions, shall we? You'll be chowing down in no time!

The Secret to Perfect Tater Tot Hotdish: It's All About the Base

Honestly, who doesn't love a good tater tot hotdish ? It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe . A ground beef casserole with those little golden nuggets of potato goodness on top? It’s like a warm hug on a plate.

We'll dive into creating the best tater tot casserole with ground beef you’ve ever tasted. This easy casserole recipe makes weeknight dinners a breeze!

Prep Like a Pro: Set Yourself Up for Success

Mise en place is key, my friend. Chop your onion (1 medium) and bell pepper (1 green bell pepper). Mince that garlic (1 clove).

This ground beef tater tot casserole recipe is all about efficiency, so have your frozen mixed veg (1 cup) and canned tomatoes with chiles (1 can - 10 ounce) ready.

Brown your ground beef safely, and drain the grease properly. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!

Tater Tot Time: Step-by-Step to Cheesy Goodness

First, preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
Brown that ground beef (1 pound)! Drain off any extra fat!
Sauté your onion and pepper until soft. Add that garlic!
Stir in your cream of mushroom soup (1 can - 10.75 ounce), tomatoes with chiles, mixed veggies, Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon), and pepper (1/4 teaspoon). Get it all mixed well.
Pour this beef mixture into your 9x13 inch dish.
Arrange those frozen tater tots (1 bag - 32 ounce) on top like little soldiers.
Bake for 30- 35 minutes . The tots should be golden.
If you want, sprinkle cheese (1 cup cheddar) on top during the last 5 minutes. This makes it a truly cheesy tater tot casserole .

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Hotdish Game

Don’t overcrowd the beef when browning. Brown it in batches if needed for optimal browning. Want extra crispy tots? Bake the casserole uncovered for the last 10- 15 minutes .

If you're looking for family dinner ideas , this is a winner. This dish is one of the quick casserole recipes you can have in your arsenal!

Honestly, this tater tot topping is the best part. Making this ahead? Prepare the beef and veggie mixture, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Add the tater tots just before baking! A true weeknight winner for your ground beef casserole .

Recipe Notes for the Best Tater Tot Hotdish Ever

Right then, let's talk shop about this absolute gem of a ground beef casserole . It's more than just an easy casserole recipe ; it's a hug on a plate.

Honestly, tater tot casserole with ground beef is one of those weeknight dinner recipes that everyone loves. So, here are a few tips and tricks to really nail it.

Ace Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, doesn't it? For plating, I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top. Makes it look a bit fancy! A dollop of sour cream is essential too.

Serve this comfort food recipe with a simple green salad. It cuts through the richness nicely. Or, some steamed green beans.

A classic pairing! Personally, I reckon a pint of your favorite lager is the perfect drink to wash it all down.

Keep it Fresh: Storage Tips

This ground beef tater tot casserole recipe keeps well. If you have leftovers, pop them in the fridge. They'll be good for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

You can freeze it too! Wrap it well in freezer-safe wrap and it’ll last for up to 2 months. For reheating, the oven is best.

350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. A microwave works in a pinch, but the tater tot topping won’t be as crispy.

Mix it Up: Variations

Fancy a bit of a twist? For a dietary adaptation, try using ground turkey instead of beef. Lighter, but still tasty! Or, if you are feeling like having a cheesy tater tot casserole , add extra cheese! You can easily make it gluten free by using gluten free cream of mushroom soup.

For seasonal swaps, in the autumn, add some roasted butternut squash to the beef mixture. It adds a lovely sweetness.

Nutrition Basics Simplified

Okay, so let's be real, this tater tot hotdish isn't exactly a health food. Each serving has around 450-550 calories.

But it's packed with protein, roughly 25-30 grams per serving. From the beef, of course! You'll get some fiber from the veggies too.

What it gives in family dinner ideas and bringing smiles to faces, it lacks in nutritional complexity.

Right, get in the kitchen and give this quick casserole recipes a go! You won't regret it. And remember, cooking is all about having fun and making something delicious.

Now go make the perfect tater tot casserole with ground beef!

Tater Tot Hotdish Golden Comfort Food Youll Crave

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make tater tot casserole with ground beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the tater tot casserole with ground beef a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through. Just like prepping your Sunday roast on Saturday, a little forward planning never hurt anyone.

What are some good variations I can try with this tater tot casserole with ground?

Crikey, there are loads of ways to jazz up this dish! For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. You could also go Tex-Mex with a can of black beans, corn, and some cheddar cheese. For our veggie mates, try swapping out the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based mince.

My tater tots aren't getting crispy enough. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded soggy tot! First, make sure your oven is hot enough, and don't overcrowd the baking dish. For extra crispiness, try baking the tater tot casserole with ground uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. You can even give the tater tots a light spray with cooking oil before baking to help them brown up nicely, like giving them a little sun tan.

How long does tater tot casserole with ground last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, your tater tot casserole with ground will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure it's cooled down completely before refrigerating. It's a great way to get a head start on meals throughout the week, and saves waste by preventing those leftovers from going off, too.

Is tater tot casserole with ground healthy?

While it's definitely comfort food, you can make healthier choices when preparing your tater tot casserole with ground. Use lean ground beef, load up on the veggies (more than the recipe calls for!), and opt for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup. Swapping to sweet potato tater tots can also boost the nutritional value. Remember, everything in moderation – even a cheeky bit of comfort food!

Can I freeze leftover tater tot casserole with ground?

Yes, you can! While the texture of the tater tots might change slightly, it's still perfectly safe to freeze tater tot casserole with ground. Cut it into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and then foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. It'll keep for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake in a preheated oven until heated through.