BBQ Beef Tater Tot Casserole

This BBQ Beef Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with savory ground beef, tangy BBQ sauce, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots—baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner with just a few simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is an easy-to-make, all-in-one meal that combines the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce with gooey cheese and crispy tater tots. It’s perfect for busy families, picky eaters, and potlucks. Plus, it uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and goes from prep to plate in under an hour.

ingredients

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

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, jalapeños

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in BBQ sauce, corn (if using), salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
6. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Let cool slightly, then top with green onions or other toppings if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Swap cheddar for pepper Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Add black beans, bell peppers, or green chiles for extra texture.
• Drizzle with ranch or chipotle mayo before serving.
• Make it spicy by mixing hot sauce into the BBQ sauce or using spicy tots.

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes to retain crispiness.
• For microwave reheating, use short intervals and cover to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Can I freeze BBQ beef tater tot casserole?

Absolutely. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen or thaw first.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Any kind works, but smoky or slightly sweet varieties pair best with beef and tots.

Can I use homemade tater tots?

Yes, just pre-cook them slightly so they crisp properly when baked.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Swap beef for a plant-based meat alternative or a mix of beans and vegetables.

Will the tots stay crispy?

Yes, as long as they’re baked uncovered and in a single layer on top.

Can I add cheese on top of the tots?

Yes, for extra cheesiness, sprinkle some cheese over the tots in the last 5 minutes of baking.

What size pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch baking dish is standard and fits all ingredients comfortably.

Is this good for picky eaters?

Definitely—it’s a fun and familiar combination of BBQ, cheese, and tots.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two pans and adjust bake time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

BBQ Beef Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a make-ahead meal for guests, this casserole checks all the boxes. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a favorite in your rotation.

Print