This easy tater tot casserole checks all those boxes and then some. It’s warm, filling, and made even better when you skip the store-bought cans and use your own cream of anything soup mix. A staple we always keep tucked away in a mason jar on the pantry shelf.
A hearty farmhouse classic made with real ingredients.
On the homestead, we love meals that come together easily, feed a hungry family, and make use of pantry staples.
Whether you’ve had a long day in the garden, the barn, or running after the grandkids, this is one of those easy dinners that hits the spot every time. Comfort food doesn’t get much simpler or more satisfying than this.
Why We Love This Tater Tot Casserole
- Uses simple ingredients from the pantry and freezer
- Made with our homemade cream of anything soup mix. No cans needed
- A family favorite that feeds a crowd on busy nights
- Great for meal prep, freezer meals, or church potlucks
- Works with ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken
Ditch the Cans: Make Your Own Cream Soup
Around here, we try to cook from scratch when we can. That’s why we keep a jar of our Cream of Anything Dry Soup Mix on hand. It’s made with shelf-stable ingredients like powdered milk, cornstarch, herbs, and chicken bouillon, and it’s a great way to cut out preservatives and save money.
To make a batch, whisk together 1/3 cup dry mix with 1 ¼ cups water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thick. For this recipe, we sautéed some fresh mushrooms and added them to the soup base to make a flavorful cream of mushroom soup. But this mix also works great for cream of chicken or cream of celery!
👉 Click here for the full Cream of Anything Soup Mix Recipe.
Classic Tater Tot Casserole with Beef and Green Beans
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef or other ground meat
- 28 Ounces Green Beans 2 cans drained
- 2/3 Cup Cream of Anything Soup Mix or sub 2 cans of cream of mushroom/chicken/celery soup
- 8 Ounces White Mushrooms sliced
- 2 Beef Bouillon Cubes
- 2 ½ Cups Water
- 6 Slices Cheddar Cheese or 1 cup shredded cheese
- 32 Ounces Frozen Tater Tots 1 bag
- Optional: garlic powder onion powder, green peppers, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness
Instructions
- Brown the Meat. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef mixture over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.2 Pounds Ground Beef
- Sauté the Mushrooms. In the same skillet, cook the sliced mushrooms until golden brown. Set aside.8 Ounces White Mushrooms
- Make the Soup Base. In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of dry soup mix with 2 1/2 cups water. Whisk over medium heat until thickened. Stir in the mushrooms and bouillon cubes for flavor.2/3 Cup Cream of Anything Soup Mix, 2 ½ Cups Water, 2 Beef Bouillon Cubes
- Assemble the Casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Layer in the following: Ground beef mixture, Green beans, Cream soup + mushroom mixture, Cheddar cheese, and a layer of frozen tater tots across the top of the casserole28 Ounces Green Beans, 6 Slices Cheddar Cheese, 32 Ounces Frozen Tater Tots, Optional: garlic powder
- Bake uncovered at 450°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and the crispy tots are golden brown.
- Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Variations and Tips
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for deeper flavor.
- Switch out the vegetables. Green peppers, Onions, Jalapeno peppers, or Peas and carrots (frozen or canned)
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the tots halfway through for a gooey, cheesy casserole.
- Swap the protein: try ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Make it a cheeseburger tater tot casserole with diced pickles and ketchup on the side!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
This is a fantastic tater tot casserole freezer meal. Assemble the prepared casserole, then cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Bake as directed, adding 10–15 extra minutes if still slightly frozen.
For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat using the microwave method or pop individual portions in the air fryer for the best results.
What to Serve with Tater Tot Casserole
This complete meal is perfect on its own, but here are a few side dish ideas:
- A crisp side salad
- Roasted or steamed veggies from the garden
- A slice of fresh sourdough bread
Hearty Casserole and Easy Comfort Food for the Whole Family
This hearty tater tot casserole is the kind of comfort food that brings the whole family to the table. Whether you’re feeding little ones, hard-working farmhands, or three generations gathered around after a long day, it’s warm, filling, and familiar. The kind of meal that sparks conversation, second helpings, and maybe even a few memories. It’s humble, homemade, and deeply satisfying. Just what you want from a classic comfort food. A Homestead Favorite for Busy Nights.
This easy casserole recipe is more than just a delicious meal. It’s a reliable dinner that saves time, uses what you have on hand, and brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crew of hungry kids, prepping for the week ahead, or just craving classic comfort food, this tater tot casserole will quickly become a huge hit in your kitchen.
My family loved this!