Family Favorite Tater Tot

Featured in: Everyday Mains

This comforting casserole combines browned ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, mixed vegetables, and creamy mushroom sauce. Layered with cheddar cheese and topped with crisp tater tots, it bakes to a golden finish perfect for busy evenings or family gatherings. With rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s a hearty dish that satisfies all ages.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:49:00 GMT
Golden-brown tater tots topping a bubbly, cheesy Family Favorite Tater Tot Casserole, ready to serve. Save
Golden-brown tater tots topping a bubbly, cheesy Family Favorite Tater Tot Casserole, ready to serve. | pixelcuisine.com

A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole layered with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots—perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

This casserole has been a family favorite for years with its perfect combination of flavors and textures.

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Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) 85% lean recommended
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Frozen peas and carrots: 1 cup (150 g)
  • Condensed cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g)
  • Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g), divided
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
  • Frozen tater tots: 1 bag (32 oz / 900 g)

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Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Cook beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 57 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté vegetables:
Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 23 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add peas and carrots:
Stir in frozen peas and carrots. Cook for 2 more minutes.
Combine sauce:
Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
Assemble casserole:
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup (50 g) cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (50 g) cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and tots are golden brown.
Rest:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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| pixelcuisine.com

We often gather around the table enjoying this casserole on busy weeknights, sharing stories and laughter.

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Required Tools

Large skillet, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing spoon, measuring cups and spoons, oven

Allergen Information

Contains Milk, Wheat (in soup and possibly tater tots), Soy (possible in soup), Cheese. May contain Gluten (in soup and possibly tater tots). Always check labels for gluten and soy if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 480, Total Fat 28 g, Carbohydrates 35 g, Protein 20 g

A warm and comforting Family Favorite Tater Tot Casserole, with a creamy, rich sauce and crispy tots. Save
A warm and comforting Family Favorite Tater Tot Casserole, with a creamy, rich sauce and crispy tots. | pixelcuisine.com

This dish is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience that your family will request again and again.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of meat is best for this dish?

Ground beef with about 85% lean content works well, providing a good balance of flavor and moisture.

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, cream of chicken soup or a homemade creamy sauce can be used to vary the flavor.

How do I achieve crispy tater tots on top?

Bake the casserole uncovered and add some cheese over the tater tots halfway to encourage a golden, crispy texture.

Are there suggested vegetable additions?

Frozen peas and carrots complement the dish well, but other mixed vegetables can be added to taste.

What temperature and duration is recommended for baking?

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes total, with cheese sprinkled midway for a bubbly finish.

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Family Favorite Tater Tot

Comfortable dish with savory beef, cheese, creamy sauce, and golden tater tots baked to perfection.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
45 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Created by Ryan Cooper


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Output 6 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Meats

01 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

Sauces & Dairy

01 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
02 1/2 cup whole milk
03 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
04 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
05 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping

01 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 03

Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 04

Cook Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas and carrots, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 05

Combine Sauce and Cheese: Add cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and heated through.

Step 06

Assemble Base Layer: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 07

Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.

Step 08

Arrange Tater Tots: Place frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese.

Step 09

Bake and Add Final Cheese: Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over tater tots, then bake another 10 minutes until cheese melts and tots are golden.

Step 10

Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven

Allergy Info

Review every item for allergens and ask a healthcare pro if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk, wheat, soy, and cheese. May contain gluten. Check product labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition info is for reference only—it's not medical guidance.
  • Caloric Content: 480
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 20 g

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