A Classic Comfort Food: Easy Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Easy Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup is one of those magical dishes that combines simplicity with incredible flavor.
This hearty casserole brings together crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and creamy mushroom soup into one delicious dish that’ll have your family begging for seconds.
I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table.
What I love most about this tater tot casserole is how versatile it can be – you can jazz it up with different vegetables or keep it simple for picky eaters.
The cream of mushroom soup adds a rich, velvety texture that binds everything together perfectly.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 2 pounds |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 2 cans (10.5 oz each) |
| Frozen tater tots | 1 (32 oz) bag |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray.
This prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.
Cooking the Meat
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions.
Make sure to break up the meat into small, even pieces as it cooks.
This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Drain any excess grease – nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Creating the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup of milk.
Whisk them together until smooth and creamy.
This creates the perfect binding sauce for our Easy Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup.
Add the seasoned ground beef mixture to the soup mixture and stir well to combine.
Assembly
Pour the beef and soup mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Now comes the fun part – arrange the frozen tater tots in neat rows on top of the meat mixture.
I like to make sure they’re close together but not overlapping.
This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
Baking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes.
You’ll know it’s done when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Tater Tot Casserole
Don’t thaw the tater tots beforehand – they should go in frozen.
For extra flavor, try adding a cup of frozen mixed vegetables to the meat mixture.
You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
If you like it extra cheesy, add some cheese to the meat mixture as well.
Make sure to drain the meat well to avoid a soggy casserole.
Storing and Reheating
This Easy Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
You can also microwave individual portions, though the tater tots won’t be as crispy.
Conclusion
This Easy Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup is more than just a recipe – it’s a comfort food classic that brings families together.
Its simplicity makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while its hearty nature satisfies even the biggest appetites.
I love how this dish combines crispy, creamy, and savory elements into one delicious meal.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a potluck crowd-pleaser, this casserole never disappoints.
Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation just like it has in mine!
