Tater Tot Casserole is a staple, kid-friendly recipe in my kitchen. This easy hotdish recipe is simply the best because it is loaded with ground beef, corn, cheese, and crispy tater tots. Here in Minnesota, we refer to this meal as a tater tot hotdish but whatever you call it, don’t you dare skip out on the last ingredient because it makes all the difference….
What I Love About This Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
In the spirit of being totally open and honest with you, I present to you the first recipe in all the years of my blog history, that uses a condensed soup: Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole. While I am not a huge fan of this prepared product, I do appreciate the aid it gives to those who are just learning to cook, like my children. My kids like to use these soups in some of their favorite recipes because it makes dinner fairly simple for them in the preparation process.
Yes, my kids cook…and often. They make dinner a few nights a week. If I allowed them to, they would make this Tater Tot Casserole every week. No doubt that this recipe is definitely kid-friendly!
Although, since we are Minnesotans, I should really re-title this as a Tater Tot Hotdish recipe. Not sure why, but you don’t call these “casseroles” up north and I still find that weird. It took me years of living in the land of 10,000 lakes to figure out what the heck a hotdish was!
What is Tater Tot Casserole Made of?
Like most recipes, a tater tot casserole is made using an endless variety of ingredients. However, the following foods are most often found inside this midwest classic recipe. They are listed in the order they are layered, beginning at the bottom of the 9×13″ casserole dish and working up:
- Ground Beef – seasoned and browned hamburger is the standard protein choice for the base of a tater tot casserole recipe.
- Canned Corn or Green Beans – the choice of which canned vegetable to use in the recipe is solely a personal preference. The original Minnesota recipe was made with green beans.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup – condensed soup is added to the casserole right out of the can. It adds creaminess to the finished dish, as well as the addition of a bit of mushroom flavor to the sauce.
- Sour Cream – while not all tater tot casserole recipes include sour cream, they should. This addition helps add depth of flavor to the sauce so the condensed soup doesn’t struggle on its own.
- Shredded Cheese – use the cheese as the gooey layer between the tater tots and the ingredients on the bottom. It’s that special touch other recipes don’t have.
- Frozen Tater Tots – the tater tots stay frozen until right before the dish goes in the oven. Keeping them frozen helps the tots from falling apart inside the casserole as it bakes.
How to Make the Best Tater Tot Casserole
What makes any recipe “the best” is completely subjective to each individual. However, listed below are some tips to make your version the best tater tot casserole in the neighborhood!
- Use a quality 80/20 ground beef – it’s easy for the beef to lose its distinctive flavor among all the ingredients. Be sure the fresh hamburger has enough fat to provide that flavor, and the quality of the ground beef doesn’t include fillers or additives.
- Select a sharp cheddar cheese – while any type of cheese would work fine in this recipe, sharp cheddar has some personality and tang that will really shine in this recipe. Don’t let the cheese hide under the other ingredients.
- Utilize the broiler – once the casserole finishes baking, give the tater tots a bit of extra crunch by sticking the whole pan under the broiler for just a minute or two. Watch the tots closely because they can make the jump from crispy to burnt very quickly. Once they perfectly toast on top, sprinkle a bit more kosher salt over the top of the finished meal.
Tater Tot Casserole FAQs
Can I make tater tot casserole with green beans instead of corn?
Absolutely! In fact, the original tater tot casserole recipe, that came out of Minnesota in 1956, included green beans. So really, replacing the corn in the casserole with green beans is a way to honor the founding midwest recipe. Just remember, to truly honor the Norweigan heritage of the Minnesota recipe, it is no longer a “casserole.” It has transformed into a tater tot “hotdish” with green beans.
What goes well with tater tot casserole?
When choosing side dishes to serve with this easy casserole, keep that same simple theme in mind. Since the entreé includes a protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates all in one, a complicated side dish would only compete with casserole instead of complimenting it. Here are a few suggestions:
- Roasted fresh vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini
- Green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing
- Fresh fruit salad
- Roasted mushrooms
- Butternut squash or spaghetti squash
Can I freeze a hamburger tater tot casserole?
Yes, you can successfully freeze hamburger tater tot casserole! In fact, this recipe is the freezer meal of all freezer meals! The go-to recipe most home cooks use when they first explore the world of freezer cooking. Unlike other recipes, a tater tot casserole retains both its texture and flavor once frozen.
And, good news. No need to alter the recipe for a frozen version. Simply follow the recipe as written, then wait to bake the finished casserole until it is time to serve. Tightly cover the pan first with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Doing this keeps the tater tot casserole fresh for 4-5 months in the freezer.
To keep your favorite 9×13 baking dish free from the freezer, be sure to grab some quality aluminum pans with lids to use instead. Don’t go for the cheap ones or you’ll end up with tater tot casserole all over the floor.
When it is time to bake the casserole, remove the plastic and foil from the pan and bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. Or, thaw it for a few days in the refrigerator before baking, adding about 10 extra minutes to compensate for the cold temperature of the ingredients.
How to make tater tot casserole ahead of time?
Go head and make this cheesy casserole 3-4 days before you need it. The finished dish won’t lose any quality from the longer stay in the fridge. Follow the directions listed in the recipe, stopping before baking. Cover the 9×13 baking dish tightly with foil to keep it from drying out. You’ll need to add about 5 -10 minutes to the bake time to compensate for the casserole starting off cold when it goes into the oven.
Can I use ground turkey as a substitute for the ground beef?
Technically, any ground protein would work in this cheesy casserole, but it is difficult to achieve the same level of flavor from ground turkey, chicken, or pork as you do from beef. If you make this substitution, be sure to use a higher fat version of the ground turkey. That extra fat will equal flavor inside the finished dish.
Can I use frozen corn or green beans instead of canned?
This substitution is just fine, as long as you reduce the amount of milk from the amount written in the recipe. Use 2 tablespoons less because the frozen vegetables will release more water than their canned counterparts when baked. And, no one wants watery tater tot casserole.
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe VIDEO
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Print
The Best Tater Tot Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy tater tot casserole is always an easy dinner recipe idea and super kid friendly with those crispy potatoes all over the top!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 can corn or green beans, drained
- 3/4 C low fat sour cream
- 1 can low fat cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 C skim milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 C shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 lb bag tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray.
- Heat a large skillet on high and add your ground beef or turkey. Season with the salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder. Cook on high, breaking it up into pieces as you go until the meat is completely cooked.
- Add the sour cream, soup, milk and corn or green beans. Mix until combined.
- Pour mixture into the 9×13 pan. Top with the shredded cheese.
- Add the tater tots to the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle a bit of salt over the tater tots when you take the casserole out of the oven.
Notes
**For a freezer meal, prepare as instructed but do not bake. Freeze, well wrapped. To cook it, bake at 350 for 60 minutes if frozen, or as instructed if thawed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 th
- Calories: 461
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1273 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: easy casserole recipe, hot dish recipe, tater tot casserole
Minnesota Prairie Roots says
As a mother who failed to teach her children to cook, kudos to you for doing so. I should have. Now my son is texting, asking how to prepare this and that. He hasn’t a clue. And I can’t give him hands-on lessons as he’s living and interning in Boston. Parent fail.
Thankfully the girls have taught themselves without too many difficulties.
As for those over-boiled eggs, I can only imagine the mess.
Carole says
I like to tease my older kids that they were the experiment and that the younger three have a much better Mom than they did. There is no way to learn how to be a Mom besides doing it so I guess that is one advantage of having six kids….at least some of them get the benefits of my earlier mistakes 🙂
Frankie says
I too left eggs boiling and stepped outside to speak with a neighbor…..back in the kitchen to check on eggs that by some magical happening were no longer in the pot……they were splatter all over my ceiling….talk about atomic eggs!
Carole says
Definitely atomic 🙂
Patty says
Me too, boiled eggs on the ceiling, fortunately it cleaned up, and i didn’t burn down the house, but not the same fate for the pot, it went into the garbage.
Nancy says
You could have turned it upside down in the grass over night and it would have cleaned up fine. My grandma taught me this many many years ago.
Sarah says
We have tater tot casserole like 4 times a month. A true staple in our home. BUT your recipe was amazing! I would have never thought to put the green beans inside the casserole! We always had them as a side!!! Great great great!
Carole says
Thanks so much Sarah!
Amy says
Hi Carole! Is it better to use 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup or regular cream of mushroom soup?! Wasnt sure if it would make a difference flavor wise!
Carole says
Hi Amy! Either will work perfectly fine
Debby Karr says
It really looks good, but i’m trying to give her the receipt to her!
Carole says
Hi Debby! Just use the print button by the recipe
Lauren says
Just found this recipe on Pintrest and would love to try. I am only cooking for two. Is it possible to get half a recipe haha
Carole says
You can always make a full recipe and freeze half of it 🙂 Carole
Valencia says
Got it in the oven right now! Can’t wait to taste it!
Carole says
Glad you gave it a try Valencia! -Carole
maddie says
I have made this casserole twice now and love it!!!! I even did it in the dutch oven camping and it was a huge hit. Thank you so much 🙂 -Maddie
Carole says
So glad Maddie! Thanks for coming back and letting me know how it went for you -Carole
Jennfer M. says
Never made it! And only had it once…but guess where? The women’s correctional institute! No i wasn’t a fellow offender, i was an intern in the clinic. And I am also from Minnesota. Thanks for the recipe!!
Carole says
That is awesome Jennifer!
Katie says
Planning to try my first tater tots casserole and yours sounds yummy!! Do I not drain the grease off the meat before mixing??
Carole says
Katie- welcome to the world of tater tot casserole :). You can certainly drain your ground beef if you would like to
Maria says
It was a hit! Very affordable and next time I will add more veggies!
Carole says
Glad it was a hit Maria
Michelle says
So yummy. My mom always made it with golden mushroom soup. It’s a must try if you haven’t!
Carole says
I will definitely have to try it with the golden mushroom version! Thanks Michelle – Carole
Laura says
Mom of six here too, and this got the thumbs up! The sour cream is one of those “why didn’t I think if that before” ingredients. Thanks for another dish to add to our rotation!
Carole says
Hello fellow busy momma Laura! So glad you enjoyed this recipe and please look around a find a few more
Maria says
I made it yesterday! It was delicious, definitely will be making it again!
Carole says
Love to hear that Maria! I’m sure you can find a bunch more recipes to try out if you look around
Cindy May says
Made this tonight. Made a few substitutions based on what I had on hand. Used Alexia sweet potato tots, frozen mixed veggies (which I thawed) and substituted plain greek yogurt for the sour cream. Thanks for the recipe!
Carole says
Love those substitutions Cindy! Glad you made it work
Aleda says
Oh man. I wish I would have read this sooner. I was short on sour cream and didn’t know what else to use. Oh well, it’s in the oven now so we’ll see how it turns out.
Carole says
I”m sure it will be great!
michelle says
I wonder how tomato soup would taste
Carole says
If you give it a try Michelle, come back and let me know how it turned out because that is intriguing
Loni says
I’m gluten free and mushroom soup is hard to find. Would Alfredo sauce work ? Really want to make this
Carole says
I’m sure it would Loni!
Robin says
We love tater tot casserole! I prebake the tater tots – it makes a big difference in texture to me!
Carole says
Oooo, I love that idea Robin. I will have to try that out next time!
Katie says
I’m a terrible cook, but I made a deal with my husband that if I could be a stay at home mom, that I would learn. I’m trying, but still at the stage where the easier the recipe is, the better (I still manage to screw things up sometimes tho, lol). This one looks pretty easy (thank you or that!) but I have a question that might seem stupid but can make all the difference. Do I use frozen tater tots or thawed ones? Also, my toddler is a picky eater–which is where recipes with tater tots comes in handy–and he might not go for cream of mushroom soup. Can I substitute pretty much any cream soup? Thanks!
Carole says
That is an awesome deal Katie and good for you learning how to cook! Yes, the tater tots should be frozen and as long as the cream soup goes well with the beef, yes! Take some time to look around and I know you will find some more easy recipes to give a try
Johanna says
Awesome! I have a friend who gives her teenage daughter a new recipe every month to learn – meatloaf, spaghetti sauce, salad dressing, cheesecake….. she makes a different recipe each week to learn how different ingredients change the recipe. Then she puts them all in a binder so that when her daughter’s off on her own, she’ll not only have the recipes, but know how to prepare them.
Carole says
That is a great idea Johanna! It is so important to teach our kids how to cook
Christie says
How many servings please? I love freezer meals that you can eat now and freeze for later.
Carole says
It makes a 9×13 pan so I guess it depends on how big your servings are! It feeds our family of 8
jBW says
I am cooking for a harvest crew of 7 hungry teenage boys & men. Do you think I should make two recipes of this?
Carole says
If your teens and men are anything like mine, YES 🙂
Lana says
Going to give this a go tonight. But without the green beans… I hate them! I keep trying to like them and just can’t get the hang of it! I’ll see what else I have kicking around!
Carole says
Use corn instead Lana and you will love it
Emma Yarbrough says
this recipe served as my inspiration tonight, substituted for what I had on hand, but turned out great! I used chicken & bacon, cream of chicken soup… all else the same, but had a “loaded-baked-potato” kinda vibe.
will definitely try it as written next time
Carole says
I think your version sounds delicious Emma! Thanks so much for coming back and sharing – Carole
KtMae says
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS WITH THE WORLD!!
I am a Mom of 4 and we have 6 of us in all here at home. This was such a perfect find for its affordability, yield, and simplicity. I have one child who’s very interested in cooking and for my first time making this -I made it myself- I definitely see my son being able to make this with limited guidance. I really appreciate you busy Momma’s who take the time to aid to others. LESS THAN 20 MINS LEFT AND I’M A DROOLIN’!!
Can’t wait to make other recipes you have shared and will share!
Carole says
I’m so glad KtMae! I love hearing comments like yours because they keep me going 🙂 Carole
Valerie says
This is my first recipe to make from your blog and my family loved it! So much better than the last tater tot casserole made. :-/
Carole says
Hi Valerie! Thanks for coming back to let me know. Take some time and look around and I know you will find a bunch of recipes to give a try. My Top 10 Recipes are linked at the top of this page and are a great place to start :). Carole
Candace says
Hi Carol! This is in the oven as I’m typing this and let me tell you it smells amazing, can’t wait to try it! I don’t have 6 kid’s just two boys but my 9 month old keeps me on my toes and this recipe was just the thing I needed today! Can’t wait to see what the hubby and kids think of it! Thanks a bunch 🙂
Carole says
I’m so glad you have it a try Candace!! No such thing as “only two” when it comes to kids 🙂 Any number is a handful! -Carole
krystle says
Is there anything I could replace the cream of mushroom soup with?
Carole says
You could certainly use any other type of condensed cream soup of your choice. You could also make a homemade bechamel sauce if you don’t want to use a condensed soup, but since my kiddos are the ones who make this recipe, they like the easiness of the soup! -Carole
darrita says
Thank u so much,this recipe saved me in a pinch,its a late dinner, the kids are in the way home from Vacation bible school, I hv three, it’s in the oven,I’m sure it will be a hit can’t wait,thank u so much!!!!!!!
Carole says
You are so welcome Darrita! -Carole
Virgil says
I like to add about 4 oz canned sliced olives, mushrooms (drained) and 1/2-3/4 cup diced orange/yellow bell peppers, 1/2-3/4 cup fresh chopped sweet onion, 1 can cream of celery soup and about a 1/4 cup of bacon bits; instead of the sour cream, milk and corn or green beans. I always saute the mushrooms, olives, onion and peppers together with minced garlic and black pepper, then brown ground beef with the result. ( I use 7% GB so it never needs drained) A little more work, but definitely worth it in the end. I have had people rave about it, even a cpl years after they have had it.
Carole says
Hi Virgil and thank you so much for all your great tips! I can tell just by reading your changes that your version must be really amazing! Carole
Tamara says
Do you think that if I made it on a Saturday and left it unbaked in the fridge it would be good to bake on Tuesday?
Carole says
Absolutely Tamara! You could even prepare it up to the point of baking, then freeze it for an easy freezer meal -Carole
Stacey says
Great recipe. I decided to use rotisserie chicken instead and it was delicious. Can’t wait to make it with ground beef.
Carole says
I love the idea of using chicken instead of beef Stacey! -Carole
Tracy says
I love your recipe! I substituted the cream soup for a gluten free version and it was amazing. A new gluten free meal for our house 🙂
Carole says
Awesome stuff Tracy! So glad you were able to make it GF -Carole
Mo mulligan says
I Google tatertot hotdish and got yours. Thank you I do not have kids and looking for kid friendly recipes. I am from mn so definitely hotdish.
Carole says
Hope you enjoy the hot dish Mo 🙂
Mitzi says
Up late looking for a yummy recipe for tomorrow’s dinner. I’m excited because I just so happen to have ALL the needed ingredients on hand to make this (surprisingly!!). The exception being the cheddar cheese. I DO happen to have sliced Kraft singles (aka “American”), as well as sliced Swiss AND sliced Provolone. I’m thinking that the American cheese would be my best bet. What do you think?
I will post again with the results after I’ve made it and received the verdict from my fam!
♡•~CAN’T WAIT~•♡
Carole says
I think any of those cheeses would work well so just pick the one you love the most! Thanks for saying hi Mitzi 🙂
Katie says
Do you think I can freeze leftovers as an individual servings? We have a lot leftover that I was thinking about freezing for lunches for my toddlers. Wasn’t sure how it would be freezing/thawing/reheating. Thanks!
Carole says
Absolutely Katie!
Debby Karr says
I’ve had it before and very good. Don’t have the receipt and was telling my twin sister about it. but can’t get the receipt for her.
Carole says
So you have a few options. Easiest is just to send her the link to this recipe. Or you can print her off a copy to give to her by using the print button. Or when you click on the print button, you have the option to save it as a PDF, which you can then email to her.
Tammi says
We make tator tot casserole all the time. I live in Wisconsin and it is half and half.. Hot dish or casserole!
I love tater tot casserole because it is so versatile. I’ve used broccoli cheese soup and added broccoli and chicken instead of beef.. I always use frozen veggies instead of canned..makes a huge difference.
As another poster said, I also cook the tots beforehand too. I tend to use potatoe rounds because they crisp up easier and faster.
Carole says
Great tips Tammi! Thanks so much for taking the time to share them with my readers
Sadie says
Saw this on Pinterest and I want to try to make it for my church group. I’m 26, single and not a great cook but I want to learn. My Bible Study are my guinea pigs until I get married. Haha.
Sadie says
Doubled the recipe and used organic ground turkey. It was delicious. People gobbled it all up. Thank you for a winning recipe. 🙂
Carole says
Awesome! Thanks for coming back to let me know
Carole says
I hope it turns out well for you Sadie!
Amanda B says
Fantastic and tasty dinner! Will be making again for sure. Based on a comment, I cooked the tater tots for 10 mins before adding on top and it turned out great. Thanks so much!
Carole says
You are more than welcome Amanda!
Jessica says
I make tator tot casserole for my boys, but I use cream of celery instead of cream of mushroom and it is VERY good!
Carole says
I’ve done that a few times as well Jessica and agree that it is a yummy version!
Patty says
Just made for dinner tonight unfortunately before I read l these great suggestiond. I added some worchestershire sauce & capers. My husband loved it but I lost 88 lbs three years ago so unfortunately TT casserole is not part of my diet
Carole says
That is awesome Patty! Congrats on all your hard work
Stephanie says
This was a big hit in my home!
Carole says
So happy to hear it Stephanie! Take a peak at my Top 10 Recipe link at the top of the page for some more great recipes to try out.
amy says
We love this casserole in Iowa too, although I don’t use cream cheese……I use cheddar cheese soup instead……I’m going to try it your way tonight!! 🙂
amy says
Oops! I meant sour cream!! That could have been interesting!!
Carole says
That would be interesting Amy 😉
talisa martinez says
I tried it and it was amazing!!! I made it the second time and didn’t have sour cream, Shi I used French onion dip!! OMG!!!!!! Sooooooo good you should try it at least once!!!!
Carole says
That sounds like an amazing accident Talisa! Will definitely try next time
Haley says
Thank you so much Carol for this recipe- I’ve had it book marked for months and I make it 2-3 times per month. I am a young mother, it’s easy enough to make and my kids absolutely love it every time. Thank you, I haven’t found a single tator tot casserole that can compare. As all cooks do, we tweek most recipes to our liking. This is the only recipe I use that I only make one change- I add a bag of beefy lipton onion soup with the milk, before adding the soup, corn, & sour cream. This is a compliment to you. Thanks again!
Carole says
I love that my readers make recipes work for them and use creativity to make them better!
Jessica says
Carole- I used a modified version of your recipe for supper tonight! So good- I wrote it about it on my sight and gave you a shoutout with a link to your page! Check it out here: https://www.maxandrosies.com/2016/01/07/tator-tot-casserole-for-two/
Thanks so much for sharing!!
Carole says
Looks great Jessica!
Simone says
Hello, I would love to try your recipe. I know this sounds like a silly question, but how many ounces or mls is a can of campbell’s soup in the US? I live in Australia, and I think we have smaller cans over here. Thanks for your help 🙂 I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Carole says
Hey Simone! It is an 11 ounce can.
Brandy says
Its me, my hubby and 5 kids under 10 years and I have made this, with my little one’s help, at least twice a month..it is a must make and I will never try it any other way lol. Thank you so much for this simple but super delicious recipe!
Carole says
Awesome Brandy! Glad I could help out a busy mama 🙂
Sue Moore says
I just made this for dinner tonight. The only substitute I made was swapping out the corn or green beans with 2 small cans of mushrooms. It turned out awesome. Thanks for the great recipe!
Carole says
Great substitutions Sue 🙂
Stephanie says
Tried this for the first time tonight. An easy crowd pleaser! I turned the oven to broil for 5-10 mins at the end of cooking that gave the tater tots a nice crunch. Definitely will try different variations of this again! Thanks for the post.
Carole says
Love that broiler tip Stephanie!
Holly Knowles says
On the recipe list of ingredients you just say 1 can corn or green beans but you don’t mention what size can? 8 oz, 11 oz 15 oz it does make a difference I need the information b4 I try to make it
Carole says
Hi Holly! Just a regular 14 or 15 ounce can works great
Brandy Hester says
I have this in the oven now. Question… It didn’t say to drain the grease from the meat. Was that on purpose? I drained it anyways. Hope I didn’t mess it up lol.
Carole says
Hey Brandy! Either way is perfectly fine. I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Lori says
Just took this to a potluck and came back empty handed. Delicious! I did add to the recipe. I used 2 lbs of ground beef. Cooked that up with one chopped onion and about 4 cloves of garlic. After it was done cooking I added a few shakes of worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, pinch of thyme and rosemary. Put the whole casserole together and placed in the fridge for a few hours so the tator tots thawed in the fridge. I baked it for about 35-40 mins. Thanks for a yummy recipe!
Carole says
Thanks for sharing your version of the recipe Lori!
Kathy says
Just made this tonight using ground turkey & cream of chicken soup. Tasted great & everyone loved it. Thanks for the recipe.
Carole says
You are so welcome Kathy!
Michelle says
What size can of soup?
Carole says
Hi Michelle! Just the standard 14 ounce can.
Krista says
Instead of using green beans I use a can of corn! It really makes it sweet and gives better texture to the gooey center. 🙂
Carole says
Yep, that’s what the recipe calls for and we love the sweet as well.
Linda says
Has anyone tried it with sausage? Kinda like a breakfast dish………..
Linda says
I would love to make this for my stamp club……………it’s an early morning meeting.
Have you tried sausage, for a breakfast type casserole?
Carole says
Here is a great breakfast version Linda! https://www.mykitchenescapades.com/2014/09/breakfast-tater-tot-casserole.html
Crystal L says
Thank you soooo much for this recipe!!! My daughter literally fights us every night about dinner and this time she was quiet and eat all of her food. Then was super proud to say she finished her dinner!! The whole reason I made it was because my husband really enjoyed it as a kid and I wanted to see if it worked for mine!! And it did!! My husband told me I needed to make a bigger dish, little did he know I put half in tonight dinner and did a freezer meal for next week! Let’s just say this was the most successful recipe this month, possibly even year!
Carole says
I’m so glad Crystal! Thanks for coming back and letting me know
Britaney says
Hey I love this recipe and I decided to do a few freezer meals out of it but I am just wondering if your freezer meal directions are off? 350 for 50 mins and my meal is still super cold and partially frozen. Just hoping we can adjust that for future readers!
Carole says
Hey Britaney! Thanks for the feedback on the time. I will make that adjustment in the time for the frozen version!
Gwendolyn says
This recipe was so delicious and easy to make! Instead of making it with green beans I put in peas and corn! Super good- thank you for the recipe
Carole says
Howdy Gwendolyn! We use corn as well and my kids love it that way.
Erin says
Hi there. May be a silly question, but do you drain the hamburger before mixing everything together?
Carole says
Not silly at all Erin! For me, it depends on what type of ground beef I buy. I usually buy 93/7 for the lower fat content but if the price is right, I will buy the higher fat content and then do drain it. Doesn’t really matter one way or the other 🙂
Sarah says
My toddler loves tater tots and I was just going to bake some for supper but I wasn’t feeling it tonight. Thought, I wonder if there is such a thing as a tater tot casserole, came across this. It’s in the oven now. I do have a question, sorry if I missed it, but should it be covered in the oven or not? I have it covered and was thinking maybe uncover it for the last 10-15 minutes to get the tater tots brown. Thanks!
Carole says
Hey Sarah! I do not cover it while baking. I don’t want the tater tots to steam. I hope it turns out for you!
Allison Corwin says
I made this recipe for my family. I substituted the cream of mushroom soup for cheddar cheese soup. It turned out amazing! The kids loved it! This recipe i’s definitely one of my favorites!
Carole says
Thanks for sharing your version of my recipe Allison! Glad it worked so well for you!
Liz says
Willusing whole milk make much of a difference? I do get 1% on occasions too but we don’t use skim milk at all
Carole says
Hey there Liz! It will just be a creamier result and there is nothing wrong with that 🙂
Allison says
Could I put it together and then refridgerate it overnight to throw in the oven when I get home? Or does it have to be frozen?
Thanks
Carole says
That would work perfectly Allison! Enjoy
Shelly says
My kids and hubs loved this, especially my picky eater. Thank you!
Carole says
I love hearing comments like this one Shelly! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Sue says
Why would you post a recipe without the number of servings?
Useless.
Carole says
Hey there Sue! A simple, polite question of how many does it serve is all you needed to post. Because my mom taught me to be kind to those who are not kind to me, I will answer your unasked question. It serves between 8-10. You are welcome.
Abby says
Mine is in the oven right now! I’ve probably made this casserole three or four times by now! Incredibly easy, and delicious too. I personally substituted cream of mushroom for cream of onion (not a fan of mushroom), and I do not add any salt. I also use corn, as the sweetness of the corn helps to counterbalance the saltiness. Sometimes I use 2 cans of corn (my sister really loves corn). I’m glad I found this treasure on pinterest. Now permanently a part of the recipe rotation in my household.
Carole says
Thanks so much Abby for coming back and sharing your experience with my recipe!
Bernadette Gaspard says
You call this “The Best Tater To Casserole”, and it is! I’m 54, and have been cooking since I was 10 or so. So. . .I’m always looking for new ways to feed everyone. This is amazing. Thank you for sharing.
Carole says
Why, thank you Bernadette! I’m thrilled to hear it 🙂
JD Southern California says
Two questions: About how many servings and how long can it be frozen?
Carole says
Hey there Judy! This makes a 9 x 13 inch pan full so it depends on how large your servings are. I would say easily 8 servings. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Allison says
I’ve made your recipe so many times since I found it a few years ago. My twins (who are now 16) came back from church camp telling me about this awesome thing called a tator tot casserole that was served while they were there. I hopped on Pinterest and immediately found yours and I’ve been making this exact recipe ever since! In fact, it’s in the oven this very moment. Perfect every time!
Carole says
Thank you Allison for your great comment! It is a standard here as well 🙂
Emma Belisle says
I don’t have sour cream or any substitutes that I can think of. 🙁 Will this still taste ok without it? Thanks!
Carole says
Hey there Emma! Yeah, it will be ok. Any chance you have any plain yogurt? The sour cream helps enhance the canned cream soup.
Stephanie says
Hi! Could I use ground pork in it? What do you think?
Carole says
Hi Stephanie! I bet that would be awesome.
Jessica Ornelas Sarabia says
I just finish to cook this dish… my family love it.
We are from Chile.
Thank you for the recipe
★★★★★
Carole says
Glad you loved it Jessica!
Donald says
Always a favorite at our house! We love the use of corn and cheese.
★★★★★
Carole says
Thanks for coming back Donald and leaving your review! They help out so much 🙂
Leigh Ann says
I created this recipe over time in homage to the original from Opie’s BBQ in Spicewood, TX. Some things to note: Ore-Ida tater tots have lots of salt and seasoning; typically off-brand do not. I would probably add over a tsp for off-brand tots.
★★★★★
Christyn Lindquist says
So easy to make, yet very flavorful. Everyone..kids and adults..loved it!
★★★★★
Nursemaid says
Have you ever gotten so excited about a recipe?! Well, today I m SO excited to share this Tater Tot Casserole recipe that we made last week. I m so ecstatic to share it because it was LOVED by the whole family and ended up tasting so cheesy and delicious. In fact, my husband and sisters claimed it the best casserole they had ever tried. How s that for quickly becoming a family favorite?!
★★★★★
Brenda Canale says
Such a great recipe! I grew up in MN and Tater Tot Hotdish was a meal staple. After I had my son a few years ago, I searched for the recipe and found this one and my family enjoys it so much. Delicious! And so much more flavorful than the one I grew up with! (Also, living in the South now, I’ve started calling them casseroles ). Still enjoy them for all in one family meals. Thank you!
★★★★★
Carole says
So glad you loved it Brenda! Thank you for coming back and leaving your review 🙂
Karolina says
Okay. I haven t made any Tater Tot Casseroles since the Turn of this century, and the last one I made had broccoli, I think? But this is seriously the BEST tot casserole I have ever had. You win the tots award for 2020, and I thank you. OH! Almost forgot. I used ground turkey for this and it still rocked!
★★★★★
Carole says
Thank you Karolina for coming back and leaving your review! It helps so much 🙂
Misty says
Can I make ahead but not freeze it? Can it just be in the fridge?
★★★★★
Carole says
Hi Misty! Absolutely 🙂
Misty says
It’s our absolute favorite!!! So easy and so yummy!! Thank you for responding!! Happy New Year!