Looking for a comforting dinner that's easy to make and always gets rave reviews? This Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole combines seasoned beef, crispy tater tots, melted cheese, and bacon into one hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.
This casserole recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly. It's one of those dependable dinners that disappears fast and makes great leftovers the next day.
Be sure to also check out our Loaded Tater Tot Casserole and Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy enough for busy weeknights
- Made with simple pantry and freezer staples
- Kid-friendly and family-approved
- Great make-ahead dinner option
- Crispy tater tots and melty cheese in every bite
- Perfect comfort food for cooler weather
Ingredients For Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef works best since it produces less grease during cooking.
- Onion: Yellow onion adds the most flavor, but white onion works too.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
- Frozen tater tots: Add them straight from the freezer for the crispiest topping.
How To Make Hamburger And Tater Tot Casserole
Brown the Beef
Cook the beef until no pink remains and break it into small crumbles. If there's excess grease in the pan, drain it before adding the remaining ingredients.
Add the Sauce Mixture
The mixture should look creamy and evenly combined before transferring it to the baking dish.
Layer the Casserole
Try to spread the cheese and bacon evenly so every serving gets a little of each.
Add the Tater Tots
Arrange the tater tots in a single layer for the crispiest topping.
After Baking
The casserole is ready when the filling is bubbling around the edges and the tater tots are golden brown.
If you are looking for more yummy ways to use tater tots check out our Tater Tot Casserole which is perfect for breakfast.
Helpful Tips
- For crispier tater tots, arrange them in a single layer without overlapping.
- If your ground beef releases a lot of grease, drain it well before combining the remaining ingredients.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil during the final part of baking.
FAQS
You can store this casserole in the container you baked it in. Just be sure to cover it. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can add frozen vegetables to the ground beef mixture. Peppers, carrots and peas would work well.
Yes! Ground turkey or ground chicken will work well in this recipe.
You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the tater tots just before baking for the best texture.
Yes. Freeze after assembling or after baking and cooling completely. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The casserole should be hot throughout, the cheese should be melted, and the tater tots should be golden brown and crisp on top.
Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup can be substituted if preferred.
📖 Recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled bacon pieces
- 21 oz Frozen tater tot potatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a large skillet, cook crumbled ground beef and onion until browned.
- Discard excess fat.
- Add cream of chicken soup, Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce into pan. Stir until well combined under low heat.
- Pour mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish and top with shredded cheddar and yummy crumbled bacon.
- Top with the tater tot potatoes.
- Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes, checking on the potatoes near the end of cooking time to make sure they don't burn.
Notes
- Add chili flakes to the cheddar for heat.
- Mix frozen veggies into the beef for color and nutrients.
- Season beef with garlic powder, paprika, or spices before adding soup and sauces.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef.
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar cheese.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
Ground Beef Recipes
Ground beef recipes are a lifesaver for busy families. They're affordable, super versatile, and cook up fast, making them perfect for weeknight dinners. You can turn ground beef into all sorts of meals, making it a simple way to get a yummy meal on the table.
- Beef with Garlic Sauce
- Cooking Cheesy Beef Taco Crescent Cups with Kids
- Beef and Tomato Pasta
- Crockpot Meatball Subs Recipe
Andrea Metlika says
It looks delicious. I'm especially intrigued by the cream of chicken soup and BBQ sauce.
Heidy L. McCallum says
What an interesting and comforting Casserole you have going on! The flavors alone are going to take this over the top and all the creamy cream of chicken over beef? How can you go wrong everyone loves Tater Tots!? A lot of kids would probably gobble this up in a split second! Bookmarking.
Jasmine says
Has anyone tried using cream of mushrooms soup ? If so howd it turn out ? Don't drive yet and all I have in cabinet cream of soup wise lol
Denise says
Oh this casserole looks amazing! My family would devour this for sure. I will try it soon.
Melissa says
Tater tots are like bacon - they make everything more delicious and since you combined them in one dish, my world just exploded!
Pam Greer says
That does look like the perfect meal to pull the whole family together with! Those tater tots!!
Vicky says
A kid favorite for sure.
Jill says
My kids especially would love this for dinner. You can't go wrong with meat and potatoes in tater tot form, especially when you don't have to have worry about heartburn spoil your dinner 🙂
Vicky says
Kids love it!
Britt | Sweet Tea and Thyme says
Honey, this looks so tasty! Quite the comfort food, and perfect for a busy evening. Love it.
Vicky says
Thank you Britt!
Sharon says
What a quick and delicious casserole for busy nights. Takes me back to being a kid and loving tater tots more than anything. Can't wait to try this one.
Vicky says
Hope you enjoy it.
Dan Abramson says
It doesnt say when to put cheese and bacon pieces in ?
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
If this doesn't have comfort food written all over it, I don't know what does! It's been FOREVER since I've had tater tots and I love this fun way to use them! DELISH!
Vicky says
Total comfort food Dawn!
Sapana V says
These Tater Tot Casseroles are looking delicious. But unfortunately, I don't eat beef.
Vicky says
Thanks for stopping by! I think this would be great with ground turkey as well, if you can have that.