Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans

My tater tot casserole with green beans is hearty, cheesy, and oh so easy to make! I use frozen tater tots on top for a crispy, golden crust that my whole family goes crazy for!

My Easy Recipe for Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole

Tater tot casserole with green beans is one of my favorite dishes to make in the winter! I first made it one chilly January night when I found myself dreaming of the green bean casserole we’d had for the holidays, but I knew there was ground beef in my fridge that I needed to make before it went bad.

Then my son Connor casually asked if we could have tater tots with dinner, and that gave me all the inspiration I needed for a post-holiday green bean casserole with ground beef! 

I use cream of mushroom soup and frozen green beans to make my version easier and flavorful. For more delicious tater tot casserole recipes, be sure to check out my chicken tater tot casserole, tater tot casserole without meat, and taco tater tot casserole!

Tater tot Casserole Ingredients

• Ground beef – I like to use lean ground beef so the casserole isn’t greasy, but if I have a higher-fat variety on hand, I just make sure to drain it well.
• Onion – I dice onion to add a savory base that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
• Garlic powder – This brings a subtle depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Dried parsley – Adds a pop of color and mild, herby flavor.
• Kosher salt and black pepper – These are essential for seasoning both the beef and the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce – I love how it adds a rich, umami flavor that ties everything together.
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup – The creamy binder that gives this casserole its classic texture.
• Sour cream – This makes the filling extra smooth and adds a slight tang to balance the richness.
• Frozen green beans – I use frozen because they hold up well and add that signature veggie bite.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – For melty, gooey flavor. I mean, who doesn’t love more cheese in a casserole?
• Frozen tater tots – The crispy topping that makes this dish irresistible to kids and adults alike!

How to make Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a 2.5 quart baking dish with non-stick spray and set it aside. 

STEP TWO: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef and onion together, draining any excess fat. 

STEP THREE: Season the onion and meat mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley before stirring in the Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the sour cream and soup until well combined, then remove the skillet from heat.

STEP FOUR: Spread the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Add the green beans, season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with a cup of cheese.

STEP FIVE: Layer the tater tots on top of the green beans, then the remaining cheese.

STEP SIX: Bake casserole until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted about 35-45 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• I brown the beef first to build the richest flavor before anything else goes into the pan.
• Using frozen green beans keeps the casserole from getting watery and helps them stay firm. Plus, I always have a bag lurking in my freezer!
• I drain any excess grease after cooking the beef and onion together to keep the casserole from getting too oily.
• A single layer of tater tots gives me the crispiest, most even topping once everything bakes. They get perfectly golden this way.
• If the shredded cheese on top is starting to burn, I’ll cover the casserole with tin foil until the last 5 minutes of the bake.
• Letting the casserole rest a few minutes makes it easier to scoop and helps everything set. I like to let it sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• I sometimes swap in ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef when I want a lighter version of this casserole.
• Adding a can of corn brings a little sweetness and extra texture. I make sure to drain the corn really well to avoid adding too much moisture.
• Using cream of chicken soup instead works great when I’m out of cream of mushroom.
• I occasionally like to stir in sautéed mushrooms before assembling the casserole and baking for more heartiness and earthy flavor.
• Mixing in cooked bacon pieces adds smoky, savory comfort. My husband always asks for this version!

Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans FAQs

How do I keep green bean tater tot casserole from being soggy?

I make sure to drain any excess grease from the cooked beef before mixing everything together. It also helps to use frozen green beans because they release less liquid as they bake. Finally, letting the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes when it comes out of the oven helps everything set!

How do I store leftovers?

Once the casserole has cooled, I transfer any extra into an airtight container. I store my leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, and they hold up really well. 

How do I reheat leftovers?

I like to reheat my leftovers in the oven so the tater tots get crispy again. I cover the dish with foil and bake it at 350 degrees F until warmed through, then uncover it for the last few minutes. If I’m in a rush, I’ll use the microwave for a single serving, but the oven always gives me the best texture.

More Easy Dinner Casseroles

• Ham and egg casserole
• Hamburger hash brown casserole
• Turkey stuffing casserole
• Pork chop casserole
• Chicken broccoli rice casserole