Tater tots and casseroles, two things that make dinner easier. Put them together, and you’ve got a solid answer for what to make tonight. These 21 tater tot casseroles cover everything from classic comfort food to fun twists like taco and Big Mac-inspired bakes. They’re simple, filling, and great for busy nights when you just want something warm and tasty on the table.
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
All the sweet and tangy goodness of a sloppy joe, topped with tots and baked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce (like Manwich)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (28 to 32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onions until beef is no longer pink. Drain fat.
- Stir in sloppy joe sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup cheese. Arrange tater tots on top.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until tots are golden and crispy.
- Top with remaining cheese and return to oven for 5 minutes to melt.
Tip: Add diced green peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra zip.
What Makes a Great Tater Tot Casserole
Every good tater tot casserole has three layers. There is a saucy filling on the bottom, a layer of cheese in the middle, and crispy tots on top. The filling is usually browned ground beef or cooked chicken mixed with a cream soup, sour cream, or a sauce like BBQ or sloppy joe. The tots soak up a little of that sauce on the bottom and get golden and crunchy on top.
Most of the recipes on this list use the same basic method. Bake at 375°F in a 9×13 pan for about 40 minutes, then add more cheese and bake 5 to 10 minutes more. Once you know that pattern, you can make almost any version without looking at the recipe.
How to Pick the Right Recipe From This List
For picky eaters, start with the Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole, the Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, or the Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole. They are simple and familiar.
If you have leftover or rotisserie chicken, go with the Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, the Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole, the BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, or the Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole. Leftover holiday ham works great in the Ham and Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole.
Want something hands-off? The Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole cooks in the slow cooker while you are busy. The Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole is great for brunch or breakfast for dinner. For a meatless night, try the Veggie Lover’s Tater Tot Casserole or the French Onion Tater Tot Casserole. And for game day, the Taco Totchos and the Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole are fun to share.
Tips for Crispy Tots Every Time
- Put the tots on frozen. Thawed tots get soggy and will not crisp up.
- Arrange them in a single tight layer. A big pile in the middle steams instead of browning.
- Drain the fat from ground beef well, and cook it to 160°F.
- For extra crunch, turn on the broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes and watch closely.
Quick FAQ
Can I make tater tot casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Make the filling, spread it in the pan, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Add the frozen tots right before baking so they stay crisp, and add 10 minutes to the bake time.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Use the oven or an air fryer at 350°F so the tots crisp back up. The microwave works, but the tots will be soft.