Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

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This Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table with anticipation. Crispy golden tater tots blanket a hearty mix of seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers, and creamy soup, all brought together with melty cheddar cheese. It’s rich, satisfying, and the perfect bake-and-serve dish for a cozy night in or an effortless family meal.

The texture play is everything here—you get that crunchy potato topping, velvety beef-and-veg filling, and stretchy cheese in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together using a handful of everyday ingredients. If you’re looking for a one-pan meal that delivers flavor and nostalgia, this is it.

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What Kind of Tater Tots Should I Use?

Any frozen tater tots will work, but the crispier the better. Look for extra-crispy or seasoned varieties if you want added flavor. Just make sure not to thaw them before baking so they hold their shape and crunch on top of the casserole.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

Ground Beef: The flavorful base of this dish. Opt for 80/20 for richness without too much grease.

Frozen Tater Tots: These are your golden, crispy topping and starch. No need to thaw them.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and binds the filling together.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly and gives the dish that irresistible cheesy pull.

Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness, color, and texture contrast to the meat.

Onion: Builds savory flavor into the beef mix.

Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to round everything out.

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How To Make the Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Beef & Veggies

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Mix in the Creamy Base

Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup. Let it simmer a couple of minutes until combined and thickened slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Transfer the beef mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Then, layer the frozen tater tots neatly across the top.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake an additional 5 minutes until melted.

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How to Serve and Store This Casserole

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps the layers hold together better. Serve warm, straight from the baking dish. If you’re prepping ahead, this dish also reheats beautifully. Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions and reheat in the oven or microwave.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole?

Crisp Green Salad

A fresh side salad with vinaigrette adds brightness to balance the richness.

Roasted Broccoli

This easy veggie side pairs well and brings extra crunch.

Garlic Bread

Because more comfort carbs never hurt.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

Their acidity cuts through the creamy casserole nicely.

Coleslaw

Creamy or vinegar-based—both work to add cool contrast.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple, buttery green beans let the casserole shine.

Applesauce

Sounds odd, but the sweet-cool combo works surprisingly well.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this hearty bake, here are more comforting casseroles to explore:

• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a cheesy, creamy twist on the classic dish.
• Creamy Beef and Shells when you’re craving pasta comfort.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you want a quicker version with similar flavor vibes.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for even more cheesy beef goodness.
• French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with sweet-savory flavor in every forkful.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a spicy cheese blend? Did your tots get extra golden?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better.

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