Can I use a different cream soup instead of cream of chicken?

Absolutely! Cream of mushroom or cream of celery works wonderfully in this recipe. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile, so choose based on your family's preferences. You could even use a combination of two different soups for added complexity.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake it the next day?

Yes, you can assemble the meat mixture and spread it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Add the frozen tater tots and bake as directed just before serving. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner prep to be quick and simple.

My family doesn't like green beans. What can I substitute?

No problem! Try corn, peas, mixed vegetables, or even some sautéed mushrooms instead. The beauty of this casserole is its flexibility—use vegetables your family enjoys. You can even omit them entirely and add a side salad for a vegetable component.

How can I make this casserole a bit healthier?

Several easy swaps can lighten up this dish: use lean ground turkey instead of beef, add extra vegetables to the mixture, choose reduced-fat cheese and sour cream, and serve with a large side of steamed vegetables or salad. You can also try sweet potato tots for a nutritional boost!

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Description

This Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and cheesy. A delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy fillings, tender green beans, and crispy tater tots, it’s perfect for a family dinner or casual get-togethers. Packed with flavor and ready in just about an hour, this one-dish recipe is easy, filling, and downright delicious!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Beef Mixture

1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Casserole Filling

15 ounces canned green beans, drained (1 can)
10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce

For the Topping

16 ounces frozen tater tots (do not thaw)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into smaller pieces. Once cooked, drain any excess grease. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, dried basil, and ground black pepper. Set aside.
Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, ketchup, and soy sauce. Stir the ingredients until well-combined. Add the cooked ground beef to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer, covering the beef mixture completely.
Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 25 minutes.
Add the Cheese Topping
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, the tater tots are golden brown, and the sides are bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Cook and season the ground beef ahead of time to save meal prep time.
Be sure to keep the tater tots frozen while assembling the casserole. This ensures they cook perfectly in the oven.
It’s best to bake the casserole uncovered—this guarantees the tater tots will crisp up beautifully.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer-safe container.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 65mg