Our Healthy Tater Tot Casserole without cream of mushroom soup is a kid-friendly tater tot casserole that cuts calories but not flavor. Packed with green beans, lean ground beef, tater tots, and cheese, this is a hearty comfort food your kids will love!
This hotdish is typically made in a 9×13 pan layered and then baked. Our version cuts calories and time, but the flavor remains untouched – all while requiring just a handful of ingredients that you likely have on hand.
If there is one dish that reminds me of childhood, it is tater tot casserole. Here in the Midwest, this is a classic. It’s a recipe not only my husband loves, but BOTH of my kids do as well. And that’s saying something.
Looking for other casseroles for kids? Make sure to try Chicken Bacon Ranch Tatertot Casserole, Crockpot Lasagna Casserole, Turkey Rice Casserole, Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti and Chili Mac Casserole
You might also like Turkey Burgers in the Oven and Shredded Chicken Skillet Nachos!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 can French-style green beans, drained
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 32 oz. bag tater tots
- green onions – optional
How To Make
To start, preheat the oven to 400°F and heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until translucent, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain the beef and return it to the skillet. To the beef, add Greek yogurt, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring well.
Pour the beef mixture into a casserole pan and layer drained green beans on top. If green beans aren’t a favorite, you can substitute corn, mixed veggies, or another preferred option. Top the green beans with frozen tater tots and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake the casserole for approximately 30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown. Optionally, you can top with chopped green onions, jalapenos, tomatoes, and cilantro.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Vegetarian Option:
- Create a vegetarian version by substituting plant-based protein or extra veggies for the ground beef.
- Cheese Choices:
- Try different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for diverse flavors.
- Consider using a reduced-fat cheese to make the dish lighter.
- Customize the Veggies:
- Mix and match vegetables based on personal preferences or what’s in season.
- Roast or sauté vegetables before adding them to intensify their flavors.
- Cooking Techniques:
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld.
- Broil for a couple of minutes at the end to achieve a crispy top.
- Batch Cooking:
- Prepare larger quantities and freeze portions for quick and convenient future meals.
FAQ
This version of tater tot casserole has 367 calories per serving. To reduce this further you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken and cut back on the amount of cheese used.
Our version uses plain Greek yogurt rather than sour cream and canned soup. We use spices for seasoning and less cheese than other recipes. Kid’s won’t notice a difference, and neither will adults!
Tater tot casserole really is a meal on its own – with potatoes, protein, and more vegetables. But if you’re looking for sides we think a fresh salad or steamed vegetables served alongside pair nicely. We have more ideas below.
Storage Instructions
To store the tater tot casserole, allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Properly stored, the tater tot casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
If you have a large batch or plan for longer storage, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier reheating. When reheating, ensure the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety. ‘
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Remember to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
Side Dish Ideas
- Cheesy Mashed Potato Bites
- Vegetable and Potato Nuggets
- Broccoli Tots
- Sweet Potato Tots
- Hash Brown Egg Cups
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Healthy Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey ✅
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder ✅
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 can French style green beans, drained
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese ✅
- 1 32 oz. bag tater tots ✅
- green onions – optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- ⭐️Brown the beef. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, sauteeing until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add ground beef, cook, until browned. Drain beef, then return to skillet.1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey, 1 medium onion, diced, 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ⭐️Add ingredients. To beef, add greek yogurt, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Pour beef mixture into a casserole pan.1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Assemble the casserole. Layer drained green beans on top of beef mixture. Top green beans with tater tots, then sprinkle with cheese.1 can French style green beans, drained, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 32 oz. bag tater tots
- ⭐️Bake. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown. Top with chopped green onions, jalapenos, tomatoes, and cilantro if desired.green onions – optional
Notes
Nutrition
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Jenny says
We love this recipe, it has become a staple in our dinner rotation! Yum!
Arica says
If I make this and transfer the hamburger mixture to another baking dish before baking would you suggest a 9 x 13 pan or something smaller?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Arica! I have used a 9×13 pan in the past and it works great. I’d love to hear how you like it!