Cheesy Hamburger and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe That Families Love

Golden-brown tater tots rest on melted cheese, mixed vegetables and seasoned ground beef in this comforting Hamburger and Tater Tot Casserole.

Baked until the potatoes are crisp and golden, this casserole is one of those dishes you’ll pull from the oven and dig into right away.

If you enjoy this recipe, try our Potato Soup with Hash Browns and Hamburger Cabbage Casserole for more easy, family-friendly meals.

Hamburger and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Creamy soup and melted cheese bind together a layer of seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables and a single layer of tater tots for a simple, satisfying casserole. With pantry staples like ground beef, frozen vegetables, canned soup, shredded cheese and frozen tater tots, this dish is quick to assemble and budget friendly.

Why this recipe works

• Simple, familiar flavors the whole family likes.
• A single layer of tater tots browns evenly and looks attractive when arranged neatly.
• Ingredients store well, making this an ideal recipe for the end of the week or for meal planning.
• Easy to double for a crowd and adaptable for oven or slow cooker preparation.

Ingredients needed

• 1 pound lean ground beef – brown and drain before layering.
• 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped – optional, adds mild flavor.
• 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables – a blend with green beans, peas, corn and small diced carrots works well.
• 10 ounce can cream of chicken & mushroom soup – blends the layers; cream of mushroom or cream of chicken alone can be substituted if preferred.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese – sharp cheddar, pepper jack or another favorite cheese will also work.
• 1 1/2 pounds tater tots – keep them frozen until arranging to preserve their breading and shape.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Arrange the potatoes for best results

A single layer of tater tots is key so each piece can crisp and brown. Neatly arranging them in rows helps them bake evenly and gives a pleasing presentation, but if you’re short on time, just be sure to keep them in a single layer.

Vegetable options

Frozen mixed vegetables work well because the pieces are small and blend into the casserole. If you prefer, frozen or canned green beans can be used—frozen green beans retain more firmness than canned.

Best type of soup

Cream of chicken and mushroom soup is our favorite because it provides a balanced, savory base. Cream of mushroom is richer in mushroom flavor, while cream of chicken is milder—choose based on your family’s preference.

Variations

• Sour cream – replace the canned soup with 1 1/2 cups sour cream for a tangy creaminess.
• Sausage or ground pork – can substitute for beef, but choose mildly seasoned varieties so they don’t overpower the dish.
• Bacon – cooked and crumbled bacon adds smoky flavor when mixed with or sprinkled on top of the casserole.
• Seasoned tater tots – use seasoned varieties or add seasoned salt to the meat for extra depth.

Slow cooker variation

You can make a double batch in a slow cooker. Note that slow cooking won’t brown tater tots the same way the oven does, so consider using a cheaper potato layer if crispness isn’t essential. Cover and cook on high for 2–4 hours until the potatoes are cooked through.

Step-by-step instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9 x 13″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
• Brown 1 pound lean ground beef in a skillet, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, drain excess fat, and return to the pan. Add 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion and cook until translucent.
• Spread the beef and onion evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Evenly sprinkle 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables over the meat.
• Spread a 10 ounce can of cream of chicken & mushroom soup over the vegetables.
• Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese over the soup layer.
• Arrange 1 1/2 pounds of tater tots in a single layer on top, placing them in neat rows if desired.
• Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.

Tips & tricks

• Bake uncovered to help the tater tots crisp and brown.
• Buy a larger bag of tater tots – any extras make great air-fryer snacks later.
• Any cream-based soup will work; choose the flavor your family prefers.

More easy dinners

Hamburger Stuffed Shells are hearty and make great leftovers. Hot Bacon Salad Dressing brightens greens and pairs well with these casseroles. No-Peek Chicken is a simple chicken-and-rice casserole that can be made in the oven or slow cooker. Hot Dogs with Sauerkraut is an inexpensive, flavorful option that works as a quick meal or casserole topping.

Printable Slow Cooker Hamburger and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Originally published on May 7, 2018; photos updated March 20, 2023.