Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole: Easy, Creamy Comfort Food

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole takes just 10 minutes to prep and delivers crispy, creamy deliciousness every time. It’s my ultimate recipe for busy weeknights—the kind where all you want is a set-it-and-forget-it dinner without sacrificing flavor or texture.

I found this shortcut version when I needed quick dinner ideas that still felt like comfort food. Traditional casseroles can take forever, but with this easy method, you’re hands-off for most of the time. No fancy skills or expensive equipment required—just simple ingredients and a hungry crowd. Trust me, your oven does all the heavy lifting while you take a breather. Let’s dig in!

Why This Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole Is a Game-Changer

• Minimal effort, maximum reward: Just 10 minutes of prep and your casserole is ready to bake.
• Hands-off magic: Once it’s in the oven, you can forget about it for up to an hour.
• Frozen ingredients = no chopping: The tater tots and pre-made soup keep things insanely easy.
• Comfort food perfection: Crispy tots meet creamy filling and crunchy onions for unbeatable texture.
• Batch-friendly: This is a freezer-friendly tater tot dish—make it ahead and enjoy it all week long.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

You don’t need anything fancy to make this delicious casserole. Here’s what I use:

• Oven: A basic oven set to 350°F is all you need for perfectly-baked results.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is ideal for even layering and golden tater tots on top.
• Mixing bowl: You’ll need this to combine the sour cream, cheese, and soup for that creamy base.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and ensures an easy cleanup afterward.

TIP: If you’re shopping for a pan, I recommend a glass or ceramic dish for more even cooking.

Simple Ingredients for Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

This dish is all about pantry-friendly ingredients and time-saving hacks. Here are the MVPs:

• Frozen tater tots: These are the base of the dish. No peeling, slicing, or dicing required!
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The key to that creamy, velvety filling. Feel free to swap for cream of celery if you prefer.
• Sour cream: Adds richness and tang to the casserole. Light or full-fat both work.
• French-fried onions: A crunchy topping that brings the casserole together. You won’t want to skip this!

TIP: Keep extra freezer staples like shredded cheese and tater tots on hand for a quick dinner backup plan.

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Details

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 (32 ounce) package frozen potato rounds
• 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (6 ounce) can French-fried onions

How to Make Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the dish’s base.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, and condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the sour cream mixture evenly over the tater tots. Spread it gently with a spatula if needed.
5. Sprinkle the French-fried onions over the top for that crispy final layer.
6. Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 45-60 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown onions and bubbling edges—perfection!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

• Use frozen tots straight from the bag: No need to thaw them—that’s the beauty of this shortcut recipe.
• Skip the mixing step: If you’re in a real rush, just dump the sour cream and soup mixture over the tots. It’ll still taste amazing!
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze leftovers in individual portions for grab-and-go lunches. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Don’t skimp on the onions: That crispy topping adds a lot of texture to every bite—more is better!

Easy Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole Variations

• Add veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots under the sour cream layer for extra nutrients.
• Cheesy upgrade: Swap out Cheddar for a blend of Mexican cheeses or Pepper Jack.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle some smoked paprika or chili powder into the sour cream mixture for a bolder flavor.
• Make it vegan: Use dairy-free sour cream, vegan cheese, and cream of mushroom soup for an equally creamy result.

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole FAQs

Can I make this creamy tater tot bake ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, then bake it straight from the fridge. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This freezer-friendly tater tot dish can also be frozen for 1-2 months.

Can I use a different type of soup?

Yep! Cream of celery or cream of cheddar soup also work great in this vegetarian comfort food casserole.

What substitutions can I make?

You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and add whatever cheese you have on hand—it’s a flexible recipe!

How do I reheat this dish?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or pop the entire casserole back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

This Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole is proof you can have comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. What’s your favorite time-saving recipe hack? Let me know in the comments below!