Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Jump to Recipe

Finding meals that are easy and quick to make can be tricky. Finding healthy meals that are also kid pleasers can be even more tricky. Fortunately, this Tater Tot casserole checks all of the boxes and it’s super simple to make too!

Like my John Wayne Casserole, this cozy, hearty Tatertot casserole is not only incredibly tasty but also super easy to make.

We’ve swapped out the usual condensed cream of mushroom soup for Greek yogurt, adding a creamy tang that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

And that’s not all; we’ve taken things up a notch by tossing in some crispy bacon, delivering an extra layer of flavor and that irresistible crunch that we all love.

Yeap, this dish is sure to become a family favorite, just like this Cheesy Tuna Casserole and like this Taco Casserole.

And here’s the best part – we’ve pulled off a bit of kitchen magic by sneaking in some veggies to this easy tater tot casserole recipe. You know, for those times when you want the kids to eat their greens without a fuss.

We’ve hidden sweet peas and corn beneath the creamy, cheesy, and meaty tater tots goodness. Trust me; they’ll never even know they’re in there!

This tater tot hotdish is loaded with crunchy tatertots, seasoned beef, a good serving of veggies and cheese. And you can assemble the casserole, bake it until the tots are golden brown and have dinner on the table in under 45 minutes. 

Check out my other Casserole Recipes to discover even more awesome one-dish meals that are sure to satisfy.

Why Make This Recipe

• It’s kid-approved. This casserole has potatoes and cheese. What kid wouldn’t love that?
• It’s healthier than traditional tater tot casserole. Using plain Greek yogurt instead of canned cream soup makes this recipe is lighter.
• The veggies are “hidden.” This weeknight casserole is loaded with peas and corn but they are “hidden” under layers of potatoes and cheese.
• It’s quick to make. Browning the beef only takes a few minutes then assemble and bake for just 30 minutes.

Ingredient Notes

• Oil – Use any light, neutral-flavored cooking oil.
• Beef –Lean ground beef provides the hearty, meaty component of the casserole.You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based ground meat if you prefer a different protein source.
• Frozen Tater Tots – Tater tots are the star of this casserole, providing a crispy potato topping.
• Greek Yogurt – Plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to the dish. Sour cream or plain yogurt can be used as alternatives to Greek yogurt.
• Onion Powder – Onion powder contributes a mild onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions. You can use finely minced fresh onions or shallots.
• Garlic Powder – Garlic powder imparts a subtle garlic taste without the sharpness of fresh garlic. Minced fresh garlic cloves can be used instead.
• Salt – Salt enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
• Pepper – Pepper provides a touch of heat and flavor.
• Frozen Corn – Frozen corn adds a touch of sweetness and color. You can use canned or fresh corn kernels.
• Frozen Peas – Frozen peas contribute sweetness and a pop of green. Canned or fresh peas can be used as alternatives.
• Grated Cheddar Cheese – Cheddar cheese adds richness and a cheesy layer to the casserole. You can use any preferred cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss, based on your taste.
• Bacon – Crumbled bacon provides a savory, smoky flavor and a crunchy texture.
• Corn Flakes – Crushed corn flakes are used for a crispy, crunchy topping. You can use crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or panko crumbs for a similar texture and crunch.

How To Make Tater Tot Casserole

Making casseroles is a great way to save time and money. Check out these casseroles for more flavorful ideas your family will love. 

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F / 205 degrees C.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink.
3. Combine drained beef mixture with Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder and spread it into a 9×13 prepared baking dish.
4. Top with veggies, shredded cheddar cheese, and tater tots. 
5. Finish with a layer of crunchy bacon and cornflakes before baking for 30 minutes until tater tots are golden. 

Pro Tips

• Be sure to use a deep casserole dish because each layer of this casserole is pretty substantial.
• Use the oil or cooking spray to grease the casserole dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the sides and make for easier serving.
• When cooking the bacon, make it extra crispy. Crispy bacon not only adds flavor but also provides a satisfying crunch to the dish.
• Ensure the ground beef is fully cooked and nicely browned before assembling the casserole. This will enhance the flavor of the dish.
• After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
• If you’re using corn flakes for the topping, crush them just before adding them to the casserole. This ensures a fresh and crispy texture.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the ingredients to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve.
• You can prepare certain components of the casserole ahead of time, like cooking the ground beef and frying the bacon. This can save time when you’re ready to assemble and bake.

Delicious Variations

• Swap the meat. Swap out the ground beef for your favorite ground meat. Ground turkey makes a tasty and healthy alternative. 
• Swap the veggies. This recipe calls for corn and peas, but feel free to swap them out for what you have on hand. Green beans or carrots would be tasty as well. Toss in some diced onion or bell pepper when browning the meat for added flavor and more veggies.

Want even more casserole information, recipes, and tips? Check out my What is a Casserole post for everything you need to know!

Prep and Storage

• Prep – Prepare the meat and bacon in advance. Assemble and bake when ready.
• Store – Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Reheat – Reheat for 10-15 minutes in the oven or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

Similar Recipes

• Easy Squash Casserole.
• Crockpot Spaghetti Casserole.
• Baked French Toast Casserole.
• Easy Scalloped Potatoes.
• Walking Taco Casserole.

Serve With

• Air Fryer Green Beans are healthy and kid-approved.
• This Grape Salad is a tasty counterpart.
• Instant Pot Broccoli is a good-for-you side that’s a breeze to prepare.
• Broccoli Cranberry Salad – Kids love this on the side.

Recommended Tools

• A large skillet to easily brown the ground beef.
• A good casserole dish for baking this delicious recipe.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Thank you for reading my tatertot casserole recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

Get the Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe: