My cousin called this ‘Cheddar Crunch Bake’ the best thing she’s eaten in years!
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
This comforting, crowd-favorite casserole combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and tangy sour cream, all topped with golden tater tots and layers of melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Small onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 ounces) |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups (divided) |
| Frozen tater tots | 1 package (32 ounces) |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown the Beef
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain off any extra grease. - Cook the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent. - Mix the Sauce Base
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, blending until creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. - Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over it, then arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer on top. - First Bake
Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes. - Add the Final Cheese Layer
Remove from the oven and top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese. - Finish Baking and Serve
Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
