Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
If you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that truly brings people together, Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is your answer. This satisfying casserole layers savory ground beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, gooey cheddar, and crispy tater tots in one bubbly bake—delivering ultimate comfort with every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a big family or celebrating with friends, this is the kind of dish that always disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel keeps things simple but sensational, using just a few staple ingredients that each play a delicious role. From the pop of Rotel tomatoes and the creaminess of mushroom soup to that irresistible cheesy tater tot topping, each component ensures perfect flavor, texture, and color in every bite.
- Ground Beef: Brings heartiness and rich, savory flavor—85% lean is perfect for juiciness without excess grease.
- Diced Onion: Adds sweetness and soft texture, complementing the beef beautifully as it cooks down.
- Garlic Powder: An easy way to infuse depth and warmth without having to mince fresh garlic.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that brighten and round out every other ingredient.
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: The secret to a pop of tangy flavor and a little spicy kick—use them undrained for extra juiciness.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates that classic creamy texture and cohesive base for your casserole.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Get that golden, bubbly, extra-cheesy topping and creamy melt inside—sharp or mild cheddar both work great.
- Frozen Tater Tots: The crispy, crunchy crown! Lay them on top straight from the freezer for best texture.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with the diced onion. As the meat cooks, the onion becomes soft and aromatic—this step is key to building the casserole’s deep, savory flavor. Once everything is nicely browned and the onions look translucent, drain off any excess fat. Skipping this makes for a greasy casserole, so don’t forget this tiny but important detail!
Step 2: Add Seasonings, Rotel, and Soup
Sprinkle the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well before adding the can of Rotel—don’t drain it, you want that extra tangy juice! Next, mix in the creamy condensed mushroom soup, which will blend with the Rotel into a luscious, flavorful sauce. This mixture may look a little soupy, but trust the process—it thickens as it bakes.
Step 3: Mix in the First Layer of Cheese
Add one generous cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to your beef and Rotel mixture, stirring until it’s evenly combined and just starting to melt. This step guarantees cheesy goodness through the whole casserole—not just on top!
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Spread the beefy, cheesy, tomato mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. You want every corner covered so you get satisfying flavor in each scoop. Tip: Use a spatula to smooth it out for a perfectly even base.
Step 5: Layer on the Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a tidy single layer over the top, covering the entire surface. Don’t thaw them first—using them frozen helps them stay crisp. This is the fun part, and kids are great helpers for this step!
Step 6: Add More Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese all over the tater tots. Pop the dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is beautifully golden, the casserole is bubbling, and those tater tots are crisp—absolutely irresistible. Let it sit 5 minutes before serving so it sets up and is easier to scoop.
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel
Garnishes
A little finishing flourish goes a long way! Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness. For a little Southwest flair, sliced jalapeños or diced tomatoes are also fabulous additions.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to serve as your main event, but it loves a partner in crime. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut the richness, or go classic with buttery green beans or steamed broccoli on the side. Even a dish of simple coleslaw works wonders for balance and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel into an appetizer by scooping small portions into muffin tins for bite-sized party treats. Or, serve it in individual ramekins for family dinners that feel just a little fancier. Leftover casserole also makes a delicious filling for stuffed bell peppers or warm tortilla wraps!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a joy with Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel. Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors just meld and deepen as it sits, making this almost better the second time around!
Freezing
This casserole is super freezer-friendly. Assemble the recipe but stop before baking; wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen with an extra 15–20 minutes bake time, or thaw overnight and bake as directed. Baked leftovers can also be frozen, though the tater tots may lose a bit of their crunch after reheating.
Reheating
If reheating from the fridge, cover your portion with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes (or until hot through). For single servings, a quick trip in the microwave works—just know the tater tots won’t be quite as crispy, but it’ll still taste fantastic.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are fantastic alternatives if you want something a little lighter, and ground pork adds a slightly sweeter flavor. Just be sure to drain off any extra fat no matter what meat you choose.
Is it possible to make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to choose a certified gluten-free cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, since that’s the primary place gluten might sneak in. Most tater tots are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels if you’re sensitive.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble everything (but don’t bake), wrap tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time since it’ll be cold from the fridge. It’s an ideal make-ahead meal for busy nights or potlucks.
What can I use if I don’t have Rotel?
No worries! You can substitute a can of diced tomatoes along with a tablespoon of chopped green chilies—or toss in some salsa for another fun flavor twist. The tangy, spicy kick really makes a difference!
What other cheeses work well in this casserole?
While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment! Pepper jack cheese melts beautifully and adds a spicy kick, while Colby or Monterey Jack bring a milder, creamier melt. A little mozzarella can give a gorgeous stretch effect, too.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel enough for anyone who craves a soul-satisfying dinner with big flavors and zero fuss. It’s the perfect excuse to gather around the table, laugh, and create memories—one cheesy, crispy bite at a time. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite at your house!
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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Tater Tots Layer:
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season and Mix: Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, Rotel, and cream of mushroom soup. Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Layer and Bake: Spread beef mixture in a baking dish, top with tater tots and remaining cheese. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use cream of chicken soup as a substitute.
- For extra heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños as a layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
