Published November 22, 2025 Updated

I first shared this Crispy Tater Tot Ground Beef & Potato Skillet recipe a few years ago, born from a desperate need for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner. My family was having one of those chaotic weeks, and I needed something that felt like a hug in a pan. This dish was my answer, and it’s been a staple ever since.

My secret technique for this recipe is all about the layers. I don’t just toss everything together. I build it with purpose to ensure every bite has the perfect mix of crispy, savory, and cheesy goodness. Trust me, taking that extra minute to layer properly makes all the difference. If you’re looking for another comforting potato dish, you should definitely try our creamy crockpot potato soup.

Recipe Overview

Here’s a quick look at what you’re making. I love how simple and straightforward this family dinner is.

Cuisine: American
Category: Dinner
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Why This Recipe is So Special

This isn’t just another ground beef recipe. What makes it special is the incredible texture. You get a crispy, golden-brown tater tot topping that contrasts beautifully with the savory, cheesy beef filling underneath. It’s a combination that’s impossible to resist.

It’s also one of those easy casserole recipes that feels indulgent but comes together with minimal effort. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight.

The Full Ingredient List

Gathering your ingredients is the first step. I always recommend using the best quality you can find, especially for the beef and cheese.

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

My Step-by-Step Method

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect potato dinner. Don’t rush the browning step—it builds so much flavor!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for that perfect crisp.
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for one more minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet. This is a key step for a non-greasy final dish.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and frozen corn until everything is well combined.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture and give it one final stir.
Now, carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. You can get creative with the pattern!
Place the entire skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Remove the skillet from the oven. Carefully sprinkle the remaining cheese over the hot tater tots.
Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to dish out.

PREPARATION

These little tips will help you master this beef recipe easy. They’re the kind of things I’ve learned through trial and error in my own kitchen. For a fruity dessert option that’s perfect after this savory meal, check out our homemade peach cobbler.

Use an oven-safe skillet from the start. It makes the transition from stovetop to oven seamless and saves on dishes.
Don’t thaw the tater tots. Using them straight from the freezer is the secret to achieving that ultimate crispy texture.
Let the skillet rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the creamy beef layer set up, so it doesn’t run everywhere when you serve it.
Feel free to customize! You can add a drained can of green beans or use cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls. Here’s how to steer clear of them and ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Avoid skipping the step of draining the excess grease from the cooked ground beef. If you leave it in, the final dish can become overly greasy and heavy.

Don’t overcrowd the tater tots. Make sure they are in a single, even layer. Crowding them will steam them instead of giving you that desirable crispy finish.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Please note that this is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Calories: 485kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 890mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g

If you’re looking for a lighter option to balance out this hearty meal, our refreshing strawberry yogurt bites make a perfect healthy snack.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are answers to some common questions I get about this recipe. Don’t see your question? Just ask in the comments!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire skillet, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or celery soup works wonderfully as a substitute. You could also make a simple white sauce from scratch if you prefer.

My tater tots aren’t getting crispy. What did I do wrong?

The most common culprit is an oven that hasn’t fully preheated. Make sure your oven reaches the correct temperature before putting the skillet in. Also, ensure your oven rack is in the center position for even heating.