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 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 32-ounce bag frozen Tater Tots (do not 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); 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard; 8 ounces (2 packed cups) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 15-ounce 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 incredibly comforting about the crispy, cheesy goodness of a classic tater tot casserole, and this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe truly nails it. It’s the perfect mix of melty cheese, savory beef, and those irresistible golden tots on top—trust me, it’s worth every delicious bite.

This image shows a rectangular white dish with a blue handle filled with a baked casserole. The top layer has golden-brown tater tots covered with melted orange cheese and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. A scoop has been removed from the bottom left corner, revealing a layer of browned ground meat mixed with corn and sauce underneath. A woman's hand is holding a silver spatula lifting a portion of the casserole. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with some green herbs scattered around and a striped cloth towel 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 quite a few tater tot casseroles over the years, but this version stands out because it balances rich, creamy layers with just the right crunch on top. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and somehow feels both homey and special at the same time.

Ultimate Comfort: The combination of cheesy sauce and crispy tater tots hits that perfect comfort food note.
Flavor-Packed Layers: The seasoning blend and creamy sauce add depth without overwhelming the simple ingredients.
Easy to Customize: You can adjust veggies, swap cheeses, or even make it vegetarian-friendly with ease.
Great Make-Ahead Dish: Prep it in advance for busy weeknights or entertaining, no stress involved.

A white baking dish filled with a layered casserole showing three clear layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat, green peas, and yellow corn, the middle layer is golden brown crispy tater tots arranged tightly, and the top layer is melted orange cheddar cheese sprinkled with chopped green parsley. A metal spoon is scooping out a portion from the front corner, revealing the layers inside. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe plays a role in creating the perfect harmonious texture and flavor. Choosing good-quality cheese and fresh (or well-chosen frozen) veggies makes a big difference, and the spices bring everything together beautifully.

Flat lay of lean ground beef, a small white bowl of olive oil, a whole yellow onion, three garlic cloves, small white bowls each containing chili powder, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl of milk, small white bowls of reduced-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, granulated beef bouillon, Dijon mustard, two packed cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of sour cream, fresh green beans, sweet corn kernels, petite green peas, and a small bunch of fresh parsley, placed 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 flavor and protein without too much grease, keeping the casserole clean and hearty.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build a tasty base—don’t rush sautéing them to bring out their sweetness.
Chili Powder, Dried Parsley, Thyme, Smoked Paprika: A subtle spice blend that adds warmth and complexity without overpowering.
Frozen Tater Tots: The star crispy topping that keeps its crunch even after baking—don’t thaw them as it changes texture.
Flour: Thickens the creamy sauce perfectly, so it holds the casserole together without being gluey.
Chicken Broth & Milk: The liquids keep the sauce rich but balanced and not too heavy.
Soy Sauce, Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Beef Bouillon, Dijon: These bring a savory, umami punch that you wouldn’t expect but will love.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gives the casserole its signature cheesy flavor and helps create that gooey texture.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds tang and silkiness to the sauce, making it luscious without heaviness.
Green Beans, Sweet Corn, Peas: Brighten the dish with color and texture, plus a little sweetness to balance the savory.

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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

One thing I love about this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. Whether you want to swap veggies or add some heat, this recipe welcomes innovation and personal touches.

Variation: I sometimes add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to deepen the veggie profile—it adds nice texture and color without missing a beat.
Dietary Swap: For a lighter take, use ground turkey instead of beef, or go vegetarian by substituting with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or a smoky cheese for extra flavor.
Seasoning Kick: If you like things spicier, a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños really kick this up nicely.

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

Step 1: Sauté Onion & Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. I always let the pan get hot before adding onions—they soften nicely in just about three minutes. Then, toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until it’s fully browned. Don’t skip draining the excess fat here, or your casserole can get greasy. Finally, stir in garlic and your spice mix for about a minute to toast those flavors—it really makes a difference.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and cook it for about a minute—this step cooks out the raw flour taste and starts thickening the sauce. Then, reduce heat and slowly whisk in one cup of chicken broth, followed by milk. Add your soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, bouillon, and Dijon. This combination might sound unusual, but it creates a savory, tangy sauce you won’t find in your typical casserole.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking often, for about 7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to hold the tater tots on top without sinking but still saucy enough to keep the casserole moist. This step is key—don’t rush it!

Step 4: Add Cheese and Veggies

Remove the pot from heat and stir in half a cup of shredded cheddar until melted, followed by sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess and a subtle tang. Then fold in the green beans, corn, and peas. If the mixture feels too thick, gently stir in some extra chicken broth until it’s saucy but not runny. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the savory mixture to a sprayed 9"x13" baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Now for the fun part—arrange the frozen, unthawed tater tots in a single layer atop the cheese. I usually save some tots for a second thin layer if I want extra crunch. Bake at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes until the tots are golden and crispy, and you see the casserole bubbling nicely at the edges.

Step 6: Broil for Crunch & Final Cheese

If you want tot perfection, pop the casserole under the broiler for a couple of minutes—watch carefully so they don’t burn. Then sprinkle on the last bit of cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes until melted. Let it rest at least 10 minutes before serving; it helps everything set and makes scooping easier.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve found a handful of small tweaks that really elevate this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe from good to unforgettable. These tips saved me from soggy tots and bland sauce more times than I can count.

Sauté Longer: Always sauté onions until soft and lightly golden for maximum flavor depth.
Sauce Thickness: Don’t rush simmering your sauce—it must be thick enough before baking or you’ll get watery casserole.
Frozen Tots, Not Thawed: Keep tots frozen before baking to maintain irresistible crispiness.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit 10+ minutes after baking to firm up—it totally improves serving ease.

How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

cheesy tater tot casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For me, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich casserole. Sometimes I like adding extra shredded cheddar or even a dash of hot sauce if guests want a little zip.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to cut through the richness. A tangy cucumber salad or coleslaw also pairs beautifully and keeps the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or family gatherings, I like making individual portions in small ramekins or even muffin tins—perfect for easy serving and cute presentation. Garnished with a tiny herb sprig and maybe a drizzle of sour cream, it’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly cover leftovers with foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I cover loosely with foil to keep moisture in and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, which keeps tots from getting rubbery.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well if you assemble without baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then add frozen tater tots and bake as directed—adding extra time as needed to ensure it heats evenly.

Reheating

For the best texture on leftovers, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave. Use 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes, then uncover and broil a minute or two to crisp the tots back up—your casserole will taste almost freshly baked!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavor rich and satisfying.

What’s the best way to keep tater tots crispy in the casserole?

The key is to use frozen tots right from the bag without thawing and to pre-thicken the sauce well. Baking at 350°F and optionally broiling at the end helps crisp them up beautifully.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the tater tots up to 48 hours before baking. Refrigerate tightly covered. When ready, add the frozen tots on top and bake as directed, adding extra minutes if needed.

What sides go best with this cheesy casserole?

Light, crisp sides like green salad, steamed broccoli, or a tangy coleslaw balance the rich, cheesy casserole perfectly and add fresh texture to your meal.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it just feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. Whether you're feeding family or friends (or just enjoying some me-time), it's satisfying, adaptable, and downright delicious. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and easy to make as I do—nothing beats that golden crispy top with gooey cheese underneath!