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Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Daisy

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Easy Tater Tot Casserole is a cozy, family-friendly dinner made with a creamy, savory filling and crispy golden tater tots on top. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 34 minutes
Total Time 49 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground meat beef, turkey, or sausage
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp butter or cooking fat
  • 1 cup creamy base cream soup, sour cream, or milk-based sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, pepper jack, or blend
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
  • 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tbsp fresh herbs chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat with diced onion, salt, pepper, and paprika until browned.
  3. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
  4. Add butter and minced garlic to the meat mixture and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the creamy base and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and thick.
  6. Fold in shredded cheese, bacon (if using), and fresh herbs.
  7. Spread the filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the filling.
  9. Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.