Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. It combines crispy tater tots with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and vibrant green beans, all baked together until golden and bubbly. The beef is typically cooked with onions and garlic, then mixed with a creamy mushroom soup or sour cream base, providing a rich, smooth layer of flavor. The green beans add a fresh, slightly sweet contrast, and the tater tots on top turn perfectly crispy during baking.
I first made Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans when I wanted something easy, filling, and kid-friendly. The crispy tater tots on top were a hit, and the creamy beef mixture paired so well with the green beans. What I love most about this casserole is how customizable it is—you can add cheese for extra richness, swap in different vegetables, or even make it with ground turkey for a lighter version. Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans is the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl—warm, satisfying, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Potluck gatherings
- Weeknight meals
- Comfort food lovers
- Easy-to-make casseroles
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans will become your new go-to meal:
- Perfectly Balanced: The hearty tater tots, savory ground beef, and crunchy green beans create a satisfying meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The crispy tater tots and cheesy topping give it a cozy, nostalgic feel.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or seasonings for a personal touch.
- Leftovers Taste Great: This casserole holds up well for leftovers and can be enjoyed the next day.
- Kid-Friendly: The crispy tater tots and cheesy topping will make even picky eaters smile.
- Freezable: Make a double batch and freeze one for a later meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein to the dish.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy, comforting base for the casserole.
- Green Beans: Add a fresh, crisp texture that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the casserole, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Season Beef: Drain any excess fat, then season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Soup and Milk: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing until smooth. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer the Meat Mixture: Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Green Beans: Layer the drained green beans evenly over the meat mixture.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the green beans and meat mixture.
Bake the Casserole:
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Finish Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and enjoy!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans:
- With a Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread for an extra touch of comfort.
- For a Heartier Meal: Add a side of mashed potatoes or cornbread for a filling dinner.
- With Fresh Herbs: Top with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.
- With Pickles or Olives: The tangy crunch of pickles or olives makes a great contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- As a Potluck Dish: Bring it to your next potluck gathering for a dish everyone will love.
- With Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
- With Hot Sauce: Spice things up with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
- As a Leftover Lunch: Reheat and serve for an easy lunch the next day.
- With a Fried Egg: Top individual portions with a fried egg for added richness.
Additional Tips
- Even Layering: Spread the meat and green bean layers evenly to ensure every bite has the right balance of flavors.
- Crispy Tater Tots: For extra crispy tots, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more garlic powder, onion powder, or pepper as needed.
- Use Fresh Green Beans: For extra flavor, substitute fresh green beans and cook them before layering.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils or a meat substitute.
- Add Bacon: For extra flavor, add cooked bacon crumbles to the meat mixture.
- Use Different Vegetables: Swap green beans for peas, corn, or mixed vegetables for a variation.
- Cheese Variations: Try using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and tater tots.
Special Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A standard size for casseroles, ensuring even cooking.
- Skillet: For browning the ground beef.
- Wooden Spoon: To break up the ground beef as it cooks.
- Cheese Grater: For shredding your own cheese for the topping.
- Oven Mitts: For safely handling hot baking dishes.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes, frozen green beans work well; just thaw and drain them before using. - How long will this casserole last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. - Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. - How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. - Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for more variety. - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking. - What can I use instead of tater tots?
You can use frozen hashbrowns or even French fries for a different take. - How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy kick. - Can I make this casserole without cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the satisfying crunch of golden tater tots with the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and tender green beans. The casserole is easy to assemble, with a base of browned ground beef, usually seasoned with garlic, onion, and seasonings, topped with creamy mushroom soup or sour cream to add richness. The green beans bring a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the creamy filling.
The star of the dish is the crispy, golden tater tots, which are layered on top and baked to perfection, forming a crunchy crust over the creamy filling. It’s a great family-friendly meal, perfect for weeknights or potlucks, and pairs well with a simple salad or some crusty bread.
I can’t wait to see how your Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!