Easy Baked Loaded Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this loaded tater tot casserole with ground beef. This easy recipe is packed with cheesy, crispy, and savory flavors that make it a perfect meal for any night of the week. It’s easy to make, delicious, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Why We Love this Loaded Tater Tot Casserole

People love loaded tater tot casserole because it combines all the best comfort food elements into one dish. Here’s why it’s such a crowd-pleaser:

1. Crispy, Cheesy, and Savory Goodness – The combination of crispy tater tots, gooey melted cheese, and savory beef or topped with bacon bits creates an irresistible texture and flavor contrast.
2. Easy to Make – It’s a simple, one-pan dish that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
3. Nostalgic Comfort Food – Many people grew up eating casseroles, and this dish brings back fond memories of homemade meals and cozy family dinners.
4. Customizable – You can easily modify it to fit different tastes by adding veggies, switching up the protein, or using different types of cheese.
5. Perfect for Sharing – Whether it’s a casual side dish for a potluck, game day, or holiday get-together, this hearty dish feeds a crowd and always disappears fast.
6. All-in-One Meal – It has protein, carbs, and dairy all in one dish, making it a satisfying and complete meal without needing extra sides. It’s a fun appetizer while watching a football game at home or a weeknight dinner for the entire family! 

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, and crispy casserole to bring comfort to your table. If you’re a fan of loaded baked potatoes, you’re going to love this loaded tater tot casserole. It’s packed with all the best flavors—crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy bacon—making it the perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. Let’s dive into the details!

Key Ingredients for Loaded Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tots

Crispy tots make up the golden layer provides a satisfying crunch and acts as the “potato” base of the dish, similar to a loaded baked potato.  Use frozen tater tots from the grocery store. 

Ground Beef

Ground beef adds a hearty, savory element to the casserole, making it a filling and protein-rich meal. Ground turkey or sausage can also be used for variety.

Shallot

Shallots have a more delicate and slightly sweet taste compared to regular onions, adding depth to the casserole without overpowering other flavors.

Garlic

Garlic brings depth and richness to the meat mixture, making the flavors more robust.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

A can of cream of mushroom soup acts as a creamy binding agent, adding moisture and a velvety texture to the casserole. It also provides a mild umami flavor. Alternatively, you could use cream of chicken soup.

Sour Cream

Sour cream gives the casserole a rich, tangy creaminess that balances out the heaviness of the cheese and beef.

Cheese

Melted cheese gives the dish its signature gooey, cheesy deliciousness. I love using shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese but feel free monterey jack to use or your favorite!

Bacon

Adds a smoky, crispy crunch that mimics the flavors of a loaded baked potato.

Spices

Salt (½ teaspoon) – Enhances all the flavors and ensures the dish is well-seasoned.

Black Pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth to the beef and creamy sauce.

Garlic Powder – Boosts the savory, umami flavor and complements the garlic in the dish.

Smoked Paprika – Gives a mild smoky undertone and slight sweetness.

Green Onions

Green onions or scallions are used as a garnish for a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the richness of these loaded tater tots.

Milk

Milk helps thin out the condensed soup and sour cream mixture, making it smoother and more evenly distributed throughout this easy tater tot casserole recipe. It also prevents dryness, keeping the filing moist and rich.

Step By Step Instructions to Make this Loaded Tater Tot Casserole

Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your cast iron pan or grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the Meat:
In your cast iron pan or skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced shallot until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Mix the Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked beef mixture until well combined.

Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish or cast-iron skillet. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.

Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese and crumbled bacon over the tater tots, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish & Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then drizzle with some extra sour cream and sprinkle with sliced green onions.

FAQ and Expert Tips

• Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken if you prefer a different flavor.
• For extra crunch, add some crushed potato chips or French fried onions on top before baking.
• Use pepper jack cheese or add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• You can substitute ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken or sausage for the beef for a different twist.
• For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container. Loaded tater tot casserole will last 3 to 4 days in the fridge when stored properly. Make sure to let it cool before refrigerating, and always check for any signs of spoilage (off smell, mold, or texture changes) before eating.
• For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

This loaded tater tot casserole is a game-changer when it comes to easy, comforting dinners. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the cheesy, crispy, and savory goodness!

Additional Recipes to Try

Poblano and Black Beans Quesadilla –  so simple and packed with flavor. These quesadillas come together quickly and disappear just as fast!

The Best Spicy Turkey Chili – Packed with lean protein and flavorful spices, this spicy turkey chili is pure comfort food!

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls – Customizable and packed with balanced flavors, this simple dinner is prep-friendly and is perfect for satisfying cravings.

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