BBQ Beef Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BBQ Beef Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, satisfying comfort food dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Combining flavorful BBQ ground beef, creamy cheese, and crispy golden tater tots, this casserole is easy to prepare and loved by both kids and adults. It’s a delicious way to bring bold BBQ flavor into a family-friendly baked meal.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefonion (diced)garlic (minced)BBQ saucesalt and peppercream of mushroom or cheddar soupshredded cheddar cheesefrozen tater totsgreen onions (optional for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess grease.

Stir in BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix in the cream of mushroom or cheddar soup until combined.

Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer.

Top with a single layer of frozen tater tots.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Add corn, black beans, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

Use pulled pork or ground turkey as an alternative to beef.

Swap BBQ sauce for enchilada sauce for a Tex-Mex twist.

Top with jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier version.

Use a cheese blend for added depth of flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Tater tots are recommended for their crispiness, but thinly sliced potatoes can be used.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can make it spicy with jalapeños or spicy BBQ sauce.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance before baking.

What type of BBQ sauce is best?

Use your favorite—sweet, smoky, or spicy depending on your preference.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use a meat substitute and vegetarian soup.

Do I have to use cream soup?

It adds creaminess, but you can make a roux-based sauce as an alternative.

How do I keep tater tots crispy?

Bake uncovered and make sure they’re arranged in a single layer.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely—more cheese adds richness and gooey texture.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, both baked and unbaked versions freeze well.

What sides go well with this?

A green salad, coleslaw, or steamed veggies make great accompaniments.

Conclusion

BBQ Beef Tater Tot Casserole is a flavorful, family-friendly meal that combines the comfort of classic casserole with the bold taste of BBQ. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s an easy go-to recipe that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for cozy dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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