Cheesy Tater Tot Bake

Cheesy tater tot bake brings back memories of those spontaneous family movie nights where I’d throw something comforting into the oven and we’d all gather on the couch with plates balanced on our laps. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone just looking for something easy and filling that tasted like home and this dish hit every note with crispy golden tots and gooey cheese in every bite.

I’ve made so many variations over the years adding a little spice here or sneaking in extra veggies there but the classic combo of seasoned ground meat melty cheese and crunchy tater tots always steals the show. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people feel taken care of and it’s just as perfect for a potluck as it is for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ground beef – Adds savory heartiness and pairs perfectly with the potatoes
• Onion – Adds a touch of sweetness and flavor to the meat
• Garlic – Brings out depth and extra richness
• Cream of mushroom soup – Makes everything creamy and binds the layers
• Sour cream – Adds tang and silkiness to the base
• Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheesy top
• Frozen tater tots – Crispy golden and the perfect topping
• Salt – Balances all the flavors
• Black pepper – Adds a light kick
• Green onions – Optional but great for garnish and extra flavor

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet – For browning the meat and building flavor
• Mixing bowl – To stir together the creamy layer
• 9×13 baking dish – The perfect size to layer everything evenly
• Wooden spoon – Great for mixing and spreading the layers
• Cheese grater – Freshly grated cheese melts best
• Oven mitts – For safely handling the hot baking dish
• Knife – For chopping onions and green onions

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 375°F to get it hot and ready for baking.

Step 2:

In a skillet over medium heat I cook the ground beef with diced onions and garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are soft then I season with salt and pepper.

Step 3:

In a mixing bowl I stir together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until it’s smooth and well blended.

Step 4:

I spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 5:

Next I pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef and gently spread it out to cover.

Step 6:

I sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and then I arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.

Step 7:

I bake the casserole uncovered for about 40 minutes until the tots are crispy and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 8:

After removing from the oven I let it sit for 5 minutes before sprinkling chopped green onions on top and serving warm.

Tips

If you want to boost the flavor I sometimes stir a little Worcestershire sauce into the beef or add chopped cooked bacon on top before baking. You can also swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Leftovers reheat beautifully and even make a delicious breakfast with a fried egg on top!

Ways to Serve

This cheesy tater tot bake is a full meal on its own but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies on the side. It’s also perfect for brunch with some fruit salad and mimosas if you want to take it up a notch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cheesy Tater Tot Bake ahead of time?

Yes you can assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate then just bake when ready.

Can I freeze Cheesy Tater Tot Bake?

Absolutely it freezes well after baking just reheat in the oven for best texture.

Can I use a different soup instead of cream of mushroom?

Definitely cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup both work great too!

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Cheesy Tater Tot Bake a try and enjoy the cozy comfort it brings to your table. It’s one of those dishes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat and I’d love to hear how you make it your own!

Happy Cooking!

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