Introduction
Looking for a quick, cheesy, and comforting dinner idea that the whole family will love? You’re in the right place! This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is a simple dish that brings big flavor with just a few ingredients. It’s warm, satisfying, and super easy to put together—perfect for busy weeknights or even weekend potlucks.
This casserole has everything you want in a comfort meal: crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes. It’s a one-pan wonder that both kids and adults can’t get enough of. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients – Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Here’s everything you need to make this cheesy casserole. Most of these items are easy to find at any grocery store.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you like)
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a little butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Step by Step Process – Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
This recipe is easy to follow and only takes a few steps. Here’s how you make it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it hot and ready by the time your casserole is assembled.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a pan on medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- While cooking, break the meat apart with a spoon or spatula.
- Once done, drain any extra fat.
Step 3: Mix in Rotel and Soup
- Add the can of Rotel (don’t drain it) to the cooked beef.
- Then stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream (if using).
- Mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your taste.
Step 4: Layer in the Baking Dish
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pour the beef mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
- Then arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake It Up!
- Place the casserole in your preheated oven.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It will thicken up a bit as it rests.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop it out with a big spoon and serve it hot. It’s perfect on its own or with a side salad or steamed veggies.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Calcium | 200mg |
| Iron | 2.5mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Q2: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken or cream of cheddar soup. Even homemade white sauce works if you want a fresher option.
Q3: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Tater tots give a crispy, ready-to-use topping, but if you prefer, you can slice or cube potatoes and pre-cook them before baking.
Q4: How can I make it spicier?
Use hot Rotel or add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder to the beef mixture.
Q5: Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 60–70 minutes, or until hot and golden.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is the kind of meal that brings people together around the table. It’s cozy, full of flavor, and super easy to make—even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen.
What makes this dish special is the mix of textures and flavors. The crispy tots, cheesy layers, and the little spicy kick from the Rotel tomatoes make every bite exciting. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly recipe that feeds a hungry crowd!
Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, hungry teens, or just want a low-effort dinner after a long day, this casserole won’t let you down.
