Go Back
–+ servings
Tater Tot Casserole
Tater Tot Casserole is a beloved comfort dish found in many Midwestern homes. Known for its satisfying layers of ground beef, creamy soups, and a crispy tater tot topping, this hearty bake is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Its origins lie in economical, pantry-friendly cooking, where canned soups and frozen ingredients come together quickly. It's a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make, filling, and full of
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 515 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 oz dry onion soup mix (½ package)
  • ½ can cream of celery soup
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 32 oz tater tots

Instructions
 

Step 1: Brown the Beef

  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, dry onion soup mix, cream of celery soup, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

Tips

  • Add shredded cheddar cheese between the meat layer and tater tots for extra richness.
  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Add frozen vegetables (peas, corn, green beans) to make it a one-pan meal.
  • Use the whole can of cream of celery instead of half for additional creaminess.
  • Substitute dry onion soup mix with chopped fresh onions + garlic powder.
  • Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for deeper flavor.
  • Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
  • Use crispy crowns instead of tater tots for a different texture.
  • Prepare in advance and refrigerate overnight to bake the next day.
  • Double the recipe and freeze one casserole for future meals.

Nutrition

Calories: 515kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 28gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1.2gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 1130mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 325IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 3.1mg
Keyword casserole, comfort food, easy, easy weeknight dinner, family meal, ground beef, ground beef dinner, old-fashioned recipes, tater tot casserole, tater tots, vintage recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!