If you’re craving a cozy, family-friendly dinner that’s big on flavor and low on effort, this Easy Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole belongs at the top of your list. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender veggies, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and melty cheddar cheese, this dish delivers classic comfort in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole
- Quick & simple – Minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients
- Comforting & filling – Hearty beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tots
- Family-approved – Mild flavors that kids and adults both love
- Great for leftovers – Reheats beautifully for easy lunches
- Flexible – Easy to customize with different veggies or cheeses
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make this cozy casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming oily.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Season and Add Soup
Season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tots.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Swap the protein: Ground turkey or chicken works great
- Change the soup: Cream of chicken or cream of celery are tasty alternatives
- Add veggies: Corn, peas, or mushrooms blend in easily
- Extra crispy tots: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end
- Cheese upgrade: Mix cheddar with Colby Jack for extra meltiness
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this casserole with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots for a balanced meal.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze fully cooled portions for up to 2 months
Reheating:
- Oven: 350°F until warmed through
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Craving something warm, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying? This Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners. Crispy tater tots top a savory layer of seasoned ground beef, sautéed onion and bell pepper, creamy mushroom soup, and melty cheddar for an easy, family-friendly meal that’s great for leftovers and potlucks too.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 cups frozen tater tots
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess grease.
3. Add diced onion and green bell pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Season with salt and black pepper, then stir in cream of mushroom soup until creamy and combined.
5. Spread beef mixture evenly in the baking dish.
6. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single even layer over the beef mixture.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
8. Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes, until tots are crispy and cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Rest 5 minutes before serving. (Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for extra-crispy topping.)
Notes
Make it leaner: use ground turkey or chicken.
Soup swap: cream of chicken or cream of celery work well.
Add-ins: corn, peas, or mushrooms mix in easily.
Storage: refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: cool completely, freeze portions up to 2 months.
Reheat: oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave portions in 30-second bursts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 25
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | ~22g |
| Carbohydrates | ~28g |
| Fat | ~25g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~680mg |
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole is one of those dependable recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s warm, comforting, budget-friendly, and always a hit—whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals ahead. Simple ingredients, big comfort, and zero stress.