If you have ever dreamed of a dish that checks every box—comforting, cheesy, crispy, and packed with hearty flavor—then the Crispy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is here to steal your heart. This casserole is a nostalgic hug on a plate, combining golden, crunchy tater tots with a rich, savory ground beef mixture, all smothered in bubbling sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a one-pan wonder that effortlessly transforms simple pantry staples into a dish everyone at the table will rave about. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this casserole brings both ease and indulgence to the table in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Crispy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is a breeze because each ingredient is both simple and essential. Each one plays a crucial role—from building deep flavor to adding texture and that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Ground beef (80/20): The perfect ratio for juicy, flavorful beef that browns beautifully without drying out.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with beef, creating a rich base.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch that wakes up the flavors.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that gives the sauce a vibrant color and slight tang.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami boost that makes the beef mixture truly crave-worthy.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the overall flavor.
- Dried thyme: Offers a gentle herbal note that balances richness perfectly.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every single flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a luscious, slightly tangy sauce base.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang that brightens the beef sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps the sauce thicken to a silky, clingy texture.
- Dijon mustard: Introduces a gentle sharpness that complements the cheese and beef.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Divided between the sauce and topping, it melts into gooey, golden perfection.
- Frozen tater tots: The crispy crown of this casserole, providing comforting crunch and potato goodness.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh garnishing that adds a pop of color and brightness.
How to Make Crispy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Par-Bake the Tater Tots
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and spreading the frozen tater tots evenly on a sheet pan. Par-baking the tots for about 12 minutes ensures they start to crisp up and hold their shape during the baking process, so your casserole ends with that perfect crusty top that everyone loves.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the tots bake, heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink—usually about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat; this keeps the casserole from becoming greasy while still maintaining juicy beef bits for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Next, stir in the finely diced onions and let them soften for 3 minutes until translucent. Toss in the minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute more to let the aromatics release their fragrance, building layers of flavor in your casserole’s foundation.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, sour cream, cornstarch, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and let it simmer for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in 2 cups of the sharp cheddar cheese until melted and velvety. This creamy, cheesy sauce is what transforms the beef mixture into a luscious filling you’ll want to dive into immediately.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Time to bring it all together. Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in your oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. Arrange the par-baked tater tots in a single layer on top, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tots. This layering sets the stage for a magnificently crispy and cheesy top crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake your assembled casserole for 18 minutes until bubbly and heated through. For that extra crispy, golden finish, broil it for 2 to 3 minutes under close supervision to avoid burning. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes—that pause lets everything set gently, making it easier to serve.
How to Serve Crispy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds a vibrant green splash and fresh herbal note, balancing the rich, hearty casserole. You can also add diced green onions or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of creaminess and color contrast that livens up each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed veggies to lighten the meal. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber and tomato salad with a tangy vinaigrette create bright, fresh complements that contrast deliciously with the casserole’s creamy, cheesy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for parties or cozy dinners. You can also customize toppings by adding jalapeños for heat or swapping sharp cheddar for smoky gouda to make the dish your own. It’s a versatile recipe that invites creativity at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, your Crispy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day meals or lunch.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed to bake through and crisp the tots.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly again. This method preserves that satisfying crispy texture on top much better than a microwave, which can make the tots soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and provides great flavor, you can experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for different melty textures and tastes. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well to keep that gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute. It adds similar tanginess and creaminess but with a bit more protein and less fat—keeping your casserole just as luscious.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce don’t contain gluten additives. Always check labels or opt for certified gluten-free products to be safe.
How can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Feel free to sneak in finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas when you add the onions and garlic. Adding veggies will boost the nutritional content and add pleasant texture without overpowering the savory ground beef and cheese flavors.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! You can transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish for assembly and baking. Just be sure to par-bake the tater tots separately and spread the layers evenly to maintain that signature crispy top.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Crispy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe that makes everyone feel at home. It’s simple ingredients transformed into a memorable, crowd-pleasing meal that’s just as ideal for family dinners as it is for casual gatherings with friends. Give yourself the gift of comfort food made easy, and watch this recipe become your new go-to favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and thirds!
Print
Crispy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Tater Tot Casserole combines savory ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and crispy tater tots for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s great for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Cheese & Tater Tots
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Par-Bake Tots: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer on a sheet pan and bake them for 12 minutes. This step helps to start crisping the tots before adding them to the casserole.
- Brown Beef: While tots bake, heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Aromatics: Stir the finely diced onion into the browned beef and cook for 3 minutes until translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook and stir for 1 minute to develop the flavors.
- Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, sour cream, cornstarch, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef and onion. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Then stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Assemble: Spread the beef and cheese mixture evenly in the skillet. Arrange the par-baked tater tots on top of the beef mixture and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the tots.
- Bake: Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 18 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and starting to bubble. Then switch the oven to broil and broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp and brown the tater tots and cheese on top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the casserole to another dish for baking.
- For extra crispy tots, you can broil a little longer but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- If you prefer a lower fat version, use leaner ground beef or substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or green beans for added nutrition.
