This sweet potato tater tot casserole is warm, satisfying, and ideal for busy weeknights. Made with wholesome ingredients—ground beef, a mix of frozen vegetables, and a crisp layer of sweet potato tater tots—this dish is both comforting and simple to prepare. It’s kid-friendly, high in protein, and works great for make-ahead meals or freezer-friendly dinners.
What makes this recipe great
- High-protein base: Ground beef (or a substitute) plus peas and other mixed vegetables make this a filling, protein-forward meal.
- Kid-approved: Tater tots are a crowd-pleaser—and sweet potato tots add color and subtle sweetness that kids often love.
- Meal-prep friendly: You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate or freeze it for later—perfect for meal planners.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground beef: Offers robust flavor and protein. Ground chicken or turkey work well as alternatives.
- All-purpose seasoning: Use your preferred blend. A simple seasoned salt or a mixed all-purpose seasoning adds great depth.
- Red bell pepper: Any bell pepper will do, but red adds a nice sweetness and color contrast.
- Tomato paste: Helps coat and bind the meat and vegetables while adding concentrated tomato flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic depth—mince or press for best results.
- White onion: Diced; yellow onion is an acceptable swap if preferred.
- Frozen vegetables: A 16 oz bag of mixed frozen vegetables plus an extra cup of peas creates a balanced filling.
- All-purpose flour: A small amount thickens the filling so it isn’t watery once baked.
- Beef broth: Adds savory flavor; chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted if desired.
- Sweet potato tater tots: Any brand of sweet potato tots will work—about 1.25 lbs is used in this recipe.
How to Make Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole
- Sauté the aromatics: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1/2 large diced white onion and 1/4 teaspoon of salt; sauté over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook the meat: Add 1 lb. ground beef and 3 teaspoons of all-purpose seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Build the base: Stir in 1 large diced red bell pepper and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook 2–3 minutes until the tomato paste evenly coats the meat and vegetables.
- Thicken and combine: Add 16 oz frozen mixed vegetables, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup beef broth. Toss thoroughly to combine and let the mixture thicken slightly. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Top with tots: Arrange about 1.25 lbs of sweet potato tater tots in a single layer across the top of the skillet, creating an appealing pattern if you like.
- Bake: Bake at 375ºF for 20–25 minutes, until the filling bubbles at the edges and the tater tots are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Flavor Twists & Simple Swaps
Tater tots: While this recipe highlights sweet potato tots, feel free to use classic potato tots or homemade versions for a different texture and flavor.
Ground protein: Swap the beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based ground to fit your dietary preferences. Each will work with only minor adjustments to seasoning.
Vegetable options: Any frozen vegetable blend will work—mixes with corn, carrots, green beans, and peas add color and nutrition. Edamame is a great option for extra protein and a bright green pop.
How to Serve
This casserole is lovely served straight from the skillet at the table so everyone can help themselves. Aim to scoop a bit of the beef-and-veggie filling with a couple of tater tots in each serving for the perfect balance of texture and flavor. A simple green salad or steamed greens make a nice side to lighten the meal.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat covered in the oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Uncover for the last few minutes if you want to crisp the tots again.
Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole through step 4, but do not add the tater tots. Store the assembled filling in the fridge for up to 1 day or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, top with tots, and bake per the instructions.
More sweet potato ideas
- Air-fried sweet potato fries
- Crispy baked sweet potato fries
- Simple roasted sweet potatoes
- Homemade sweet potato tater tots
- A collection of sweet potato recipes for every meal
More casserole inspirations
- Hamburger casserole with sweet potato cheese sauce
- Greek chicken orzo bake
- Classic Midwest-style chicken casserole
- Healthy green bean casserole with crunchy onions
- Southwestern-style chicken casserole
Cozy Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole
My sweet potato tater tot casserole is cozy, flavorful, and family friendly—made with easy steps and accessible ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Prep: 20 mins Cook: 20 mins Total: 40 mins Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 large white onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, separated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 3 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 16 oz. frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1.25 lbs sweet potato tater tots (or any brand)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sauté over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef and seasoning. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through. Stir in diced red bell pepper and tomato paste; cook 2–3 minutes until everything is well coated.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables, peas, flour, beef broth, and additional salt to taste. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Arrange the sweet potato tater tots in a single layer across the top of the skillet.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until the filling bubbles at the edges and the tots are golden. Let rest briefly before serving.
Tips & Notes
- Cast-iron skillets of different sizes will change the casserole thickness; choose one that fits your preferred serving depth.
- Sweet potato tots often come in 20 oz bags; this recipe uses about 25 oz total, so you may want two bags if using that specific brand.
Nutrition
Calories: 312 kcal • Carbohydrates: 30 g • Protein: 15 g • Fat: 15 g • Fiber: 7 g • Sugar: 5 g
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a general guide.
Photography by: The Wooden Skillet