Cheap and Easy Tater Tot Casserole

At just $2 per serving, this Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food. It’s easy to make, customizable with meat or vegetarian options, and perfect for feeding the whole family.

Tater Tot Casserole is one of my go-to mains when I need something cheap, easy, and filling. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights and can be easily turned into a Meatless Monday dinner. I even think it could qualify as a Kid-Friendly Meatless Meal!

Plus, this casserole makes one of the best freezer meals! I love making a big batch and freezing individual portions, so I have an easy meal ready to go on nights when I don't have time to cook.

 All in all, this cheap and easy Tater Tot Casserole is a great way to feed the family without busting your budget. So whether you’re making it with regular beef or going meatless, it’s a budget-friendly dinner recipe that everyone will love — and you’ll love how much money it saves you. 😉

Ingredients You'll Need

• Onion: Either white onion or yellow onion works best.
• Ground beef: The main protein source in this tater tot casserole. Regular ground beef works great, but I usually make this dish with my Homemade Vegan Ground Beef Recipe to make this casserole cheaper. I'll also use Beyond Meat or other similar plant-based alternarive when I can find it on sale for cheaper than beef (that is what I used when I photographed this recipe).
• Worcestershire sauce: This sauce adds a tangy, umami flavor that deepens the taste of the ground beef mixture. Use a vegan Worcestershire sauce if making the casserole plant-based.
• Frozen veggies: Adds a pop of color, texture, and a healthy dose of vegetables. I like to use frozen vegetables as they are often much cheaper, but feel free to swap in canned veggies or even fresh if you have it! You can also use frozen mixed vegetables here, too!
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and moisture to the casserole. I use my homemade Vegan Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup for a dairy-free option, but store-bought versions work just as well.
• Cheese shreds: Cheddar cheese creates a delicious, melty layer that brings the whole dish together. Use regular cheese or dairy-free cheese shreds depending on your dietary needs.
• Frozen tater tots: The star of the casserole, tater tots form a crispy, golden layer on top, adding both texture and flavor. These frozen tots are easy to find on a budget and the perfect cheap potato for this casserole!

How to Make this Tater Tot Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13” casserole dish.
2. Sauté the onions: In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
4. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to the greased casserole dish. Layer in the corn, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese. Toss everything together.

5. Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole mixture.
6. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
7. Serve hot: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot.

Should I cover this tater tot casserole with foil when baking?

If you are baking right away in a 9×13″ casserole dish, you do not need to cover with foil. In fact, it's best to keep the casserole dish uncovered so the tater tots can become nice and golden brown and crispy on the top.

If you are baking this casserole from frozen, however, you do want to cover the mini casseroles with foil to help it heat through faster. Then, if you'd like the tater tots to be more crispy, uncover it for the last 10 minutes.

What to Serve with Tater Tot Casserole

This tater tot casserole is quite hearty and perfectly fine to serve on it's own, but if you're looking for a few easy side dishes that pair well, you can't go wrong with:

• Salad: A simple green salad is easy to throw together and can be dressed with any dressing of choice. Keep it light with a Balsamic Vinaigrette or make it creamy with a Homemade Ranch Dressing. If you're dairy-free like we are, try this Vegan Ranch Dressing!
• Roasted veggies: Bake a tray of roasted veggies while the casserole cooks and have everything ready to serve at once. To keep this dinner as cheap as possible, serve with seasonal veggies of choice!
• Coleslaw: A cheap and crunchy side that balances out the creamy texture of the casserole. Make your own Coleslaw with Homemade Mayonnaise to keep costs low.

Storage Instructions

Leftover tater tot casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While the tater tots may soften, the casserole will still taste delicious when reheated.

Can tater tot casserole be frozen?

YES. Tater tot casserole can be frozen and is one of my favorite homemade freezer meals!

• Freezing instructions: I recommend freezing this casserole in individual servings using 2-Cup Souper Cube trays. Assemble the recipe as described, but instead of placing everything in the casserole dish, combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Divide the mixture into the trays, top with tater tots, and freeze. You’ll have easy, grab-and-go portions for up to 3 months.
• To cook from frozen: Transfer a frozen portion to a 5” Souper Cube ceramic dish, cover with foil, and bake at 400°F for 55-65 minutes, or until heated through.