Simple Homemade Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole

January 15, 2025

Get ready to cozy up with the ultimate comfort dish! This Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole is ridiculously easy, loaded with melty cheese, crispy tots, and hearty broccoli. It's a one-pan wonder that's perfect for weeknights or any time you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Let’s bake!

5.0 out of 5 (2 ratings)

Ah, the humble casserole. Few dishes scream comfort as loudly or deliciously! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s as cozy as your favorite blanket and as satisfying as a big bear hug. Say hello to the Simple Homemade Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole! This is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with its gooey cheese, crisped-up tater tots, and the sneaky addition of wholesome broccoli. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back Sunday, this one-pan wonder makes life (and dinner) a whole lot tastier.

Simple Homemade Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

What makes this casserole extra special is its stellar combination of textures and flavors. Melty cheese coats crisp tater tots in the most deliciously indulgent way, while the broccoli adds a pop of green and a subtle bite to balance it all out. You don’t need anything fancy here—just simple ingredients that come together in no time. Plus, the creamy base offers just the right level of richness without going overboard. It’s comfort food at its best, but with a little veggie power snuck in for good measure!

Now, let’s make sure your casserole game is on point. When cooking broccoli beforehand, don’t over-steam it—keeping it slightly crisp ensures it doesn’t turn mushy during baking. Layering is key too: add your creamy cheese mixture evenly before topping it with those glorious golden tots. And if you’re an overachiever who likes their tots extra crispy, give them a light sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika before popping the dish in the oven. Trust me, every little step adds a flavor upgrade!

This Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole is begging to be on your dinner table (and maybe in your lunchbox the next day, too). Serve it up as a standalone meal, or pair it with a fresh side salad if you’re feeling fancy. Want to mix things up? Swap out the broccoli for cauliflower or blend in cooked chicken for a protein boost. The recipe is wonderfully flexible, but what doesn’t change is how darn good it tastes. So grab your baking dish and those tots—it’s time to get cheesy!

Keywords: easy tater tot casserole recipe, cheesy broccoli dinner idea, one-pan family meals, quick comfort food recipe, best broccoli casserole with cheese

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

•32 ounces frozen tater tots
•4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
•2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
•1 cup sour cream
•1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
•1/2 cup milk
•1 teaspoon garlic powder
•1 teaspoon onion powder
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
3
Stir in the broccoli florets and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture.
4
Add the frozen tater tots to the bowl and gently toss to coat them evenly in the mixture.
5
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the tater tot mixture evenly into the dish.
6
Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
7
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden.
8
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories

450 calories

Protein

14g

Carbs

38g

Fat

25g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen broccoli florets?

A: Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Simply chop it into small florets and lightly steam or blanch it for 2-3 minutes before mixing it into the casserole. This step ensures the broccoli is tender after baking.

Q: What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?

A: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup or prefer a different option, you can use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup for a similar creamy texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, and bake as directed.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian. Use a cream of mushroom soup labeled as vegetarian, and ensure that all other ingredients, such as the cheese, are vegetarian-friendly. You can also experiment with adding extra vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for additional flavor.

Q: Why is my casserole too watery after baking?

A: This can happen if the frozen tater tots or broccoli release too much moisture during baking. To prevent this, try thawing and patting the frozen tater tots dry before using. If using fresh broccoli, make sure it is completely dry after steaming or blanching. You can also reduce the milk slightly in the recipe.

Q: Can I add protein to this casserole?

A: Absolutely! You can mix in cooked shredded chicken, browned ground beef, or cooked crumbled bacon for additional protein and flavor. Add about 1-2 cups of your chosen protein to the mixture before baking.

Make This Recipe Your Own

AI Chef Assistant

Get real-time cooking guidance and ingredient substitution tips from our AI chef

Smart Scaling

Instantly adjust serving sizes and quantities to match your needs

Ingredient Swaps

Customize recipes with AI-powered ingredient alternatives and substitutions

Search for "Simple Homemade Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole" in the DigiDish app to get started!

More Recipes You'll Love

Grilled Nectarine Caprese with Honey Lime Drizzle and Basil Spinach Pesto

Get ready to wow your taste buds! This Grilled Nectarine Caprese is a fresh twist on a classic, pairing smoky-sweet nect...

Grilled Lemon Herb Halibut with Wild Arugula Salad and Toasted Pine Nut Vinaigrette

Fire up those taste buds because this grilled lemon herb halibut is a flavor fiesta you don’t want to miss! Paired with ...

Savory Coconut Kale and Lentil Bowl with Crispy Garlic Chips

Ready to bowl over your taste buds? This Savory Coconut Kale and Lentil Bowl is a hearty, flavor-packed meal topped with...

Spicy Honey Lime Tofu Skewers with Grilled Pineapple and Cilantro Dust

Ready to fire up the grill? These Spicy Honey Lime Tofu Skewers are a flavor explosion! Sweet grilled pineapple meets ze...

Crispy Chickpea Cakes with Sumac Yogurt and Herb Citrus Salad

Get ready to dazzle your taste buds! These crispy chickpea cakes are golden perfection, paired with tangy sumac yogurt a...