Name: Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp dried parsley; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 32-oz. bag frozen Tater Tots® (DON'T THAW); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional); 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 15 oz. can green beans, drained; 1 cup sweet corn (canned and drained or frozen, not thawed); 1 cup petite frozen peas, not thawed

There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy dish bubbling with golden tots and savory beef. This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is exactly the kind of crowd-pleaser that feels like a big, cozy hug from the inside out. Trust me, it’s incredibly satisfying and perfect for any night you want dinner with a side of nostalgia.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole, the top layer consisting of crispy golden-brown tater tots evenly spread across the surface, melted bright orange cheddar cheese draped over the tater tots, and finely chopped green herbs sprinkled on top as garnish. Underneath, visible layers show a thick, rich brown ground meat and vegetable mixture, including yellow corn. One corner of the casserole is scooped out with a large silver spatula held by a woman's hand, revealing the layers clearly. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered herbs around it and a beige cloth with blue stripes 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, and it never fails to impress. What’s so special about it is its rich cream sauce and the perfect crispiness of those golden tater tots on top. Plus, it’s just one of those dishes where everything simmers down to pure comfort — easy, cheesy, and crowd-friendly.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of this in your fridge or pantry already, which means dinner’s just minutes away.
Layered Flavor: The blend of spices, Worcestershire, and Dijon adds depth beyond your usual casserole.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it earlier in the day or even the night before for ultimate convenience.
Kid-Approved & Crowd-Pleasing: I always get raves from picky eaters and guests alike whenever I serve this.

The dish is a layered casserole in a white baking dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat with visible yellow corn kernels and green peas, creating a chunky textured base. Above it is a layer of rice mixed with the meat and vegetables. The top layer consists of golden brown tater tots arranged closely together, covered with melted bright orange cheddar cheese that is shiny and slightly bubbly. There are small green parsley pieces sprinkled on top, adding color contrast. A metal serving spoon is scooping one portion from the dish, showing the layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe plays an important role. From the tender ground beef to the mix of frozen veggies, it’s all about combining textures and cozy comfort flavors. Here’s why I love each piece and a few tips to help you shop smart.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small pool of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, a yellow onion whole and uncut, three uncracked garlic cloves, small white bowls with chili powder, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika powders, a loose pile of frozen golden tater tots, fresh sprigs of parsley, a white ceramic bowl with pale flour, a white bowl containing light golden chicken broth, another white bowl with fresh whole milk, a small white bowl with dark amber soy sauce, a small white bowl with vibrant red ketchup, a white bowl with dark Worcestershire sauce, a little white bowl with coarse beef bouillon granules, a white bowl with bright yellow Dijon mustard, a neat heap of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a white bowl holding smooth white sour cream, a small cluster of fresh green beans, a small mound of bright yellow corn kernels, a small pile of petite frozen green peas, all arranged symmetrically 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 a hearty base without too much grease, which helps keep the dish balanced and not overly heavy.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed — don’t skip it, it’s key for flavor.
Garlic: Just the right punch to elevate the savory profile.
Chili powder & spices (parsley, thyme, smoked paprika): Layer subtle warmth and complexity without overwhelming the dish.
Frozen Tater Tots: The star topping for a crunchy, golden finish — no need to thaw, which saves time and keeps them crispy.
Flour: Thickens the cream sauce perfectly.
Chicken broth & milk: The liquid base for the creamy sauce — low sodium broth lets you control saltiness.
Soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, dijon mustard, beef bouillon: These give the sauce a savory umami kick and balance sweetness with tang.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for cheesy goodness inside and on top.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a subtle tang and richness to the sauce.
Green beans, corn, peas: The frozen veggies keep the dish colorful and add contrast in texture.

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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

I always encourage folks to make this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe their own. Whether it’s switching up veggies or kicking up the spice, there’s plenty of room for personalization. It’s a forgiving casserole that lets you experiment without risk.

Variation: I love swapping green beans for sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers when I’m in the mood for something earthy — it adds a great twist.
Dairy-free option: Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese for a tasty alternative that still melts nicely.
Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the beef for a subtle kick I personally adore on cooler nights.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and sauté it for about 3 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. Then add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned — this will take around 5-7 minutes. Remember to drain off any excess grease at this point to keep the casserole from becoming too oily. Finally, stir in minced garlic and your spices (chili powder, dried parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika) and cook for just one more minute so those flavors bloom.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

Sprinkle flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir constantly for about one minute. This step is crucial because it’s what thickens your sauce later. Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually whisk in one cup of chicken broth, followed by the milk — pouring slowly helps avoid lumps. Now, add the soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to keep whisking frequently while it thickens — this usually takes 7 minutes, though don’t rush it. The texture you see now is exactly how it will be after baking, so aim for a thick but still saucy consistency. If it’s too thin, those tater tots will sink down and get soggy, which we don’t want!

Step 3: Add Cheese and Veggies

Remove the pan from the heat and fold in half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Next, stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt if that’s what you have on hand) and mix in the green beans, sweet corn, and peas. If your sauce feels a little too thick at this point, feel free to add the remaining quarter cup of chicken broth to loosen it slightly — you want it thick but spoonable. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if you feel it needs a little extra oomph.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter. Pour your beef and veggie mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then carefully arrange a single even layer of frozen tater tots across the surface. You won’t use the entire bag — just enough to fully cover the top.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Pop your casserole into a 350°F oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots turn a tempting golden brown and you see bubbling sauce around the edges. For an extra crispy topping, I like to switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes — just keep a close eye so nothing gets burnt. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes or until melted. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving — it helps everything set so you get clean slices!

Top Tip

From my own kitchen experiments with Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe, there are a few tricks that made my results shine every time. These will save you hassle and get that perfect balance of crispy and creamy.

Don’t Thaw Tater Tots: Using the tots straight from the freezer keeps them crisp on top instead of soggy.
Simmer Your Sauce Slowly: Taking your time to thicken the sauce before baking means your casserole won’t be runny or watery.
Layer Ingredients Evenly: Spread the cheese and tots in a single layer so everything cooks uniformly and browns beautifully.
Let it Rest: Cooling for 10 minutes after baking helps your casserole hold its shape when slicing.

How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top before serving — it brightens the richness and adds a fresh pop of color. Sometimes I also dust a little smoked paprika over the finished casserole for a subtle smoky hint that pairs beautifully with the cheese and beef.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple alongside this hearty casserole: a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts are my favorite go-tos. If you want to keep it cozy, steamed broccoli or a warm garlic bread loaf rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this recipe in individual ramekins—perfect for guests and makes plating feel a little fancy. Another fun idea I’ve tried is swirling in some cooked bacon or diced jalapeños before baking for a unique twist. Consider topping with crispy fried onions or a drizzle of hot sauce for an unexpected zing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying dinner, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. This casserole reheats surprisingly well and lasts up to 3 days — just cover and pop in the oven or microwave when you’re ready for a quick meal.

Freezing

Believe it or not, I’ve frozen this casserole (before adding the tater tots on top) and it freezes beautifully. When I want it later, I just thaw overnight in the fridge, add frozen tots right before baking, and bake with a little extra time. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights!

Reheating

To reheat, I find warming it gently in the oven at 350°F helps keep the tots crispy and the sauce creamy. A quick 15-20 minutes usually does the trick. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the best texture, but if in a pinch, zap for short intervals and stir once.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional for its melt and flavor, you can substitute with mozzarella, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a cheese blend. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well to keep that creamy texture.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

No worries. The spices (chili powder, parsley, thyme, smoked paprika) add depth but the casserole is forgiving. You can simplify and just use salt, pepper, and garlic powder. It’ll still taste delicious!

Is it necessary to use frozen vegetables?

Frozen peas, corn, and green beans work great because they hold their texture and are convenient. You can swap them for fresh if you prefer — just steam or blanch fresh veggies first to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! To make this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Make sure to choose gluten-free tater tots and soy sauce as well.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen — it’s straightforward, comforting, and endlessly customizable. I hope when you make it, you feel the same warm satisfaction I do after every bite. Whether for weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, grab those tater tots, and enjoy some seriously cheesy, hearty goodness!