Cheesy Tater Tot Poutine

This Cheesy Tater Tot Poutine is my go-to when I want something indulgent but easy to throw together. It transforms simple pantry staples into a dish that feels like a treat any night of the week.

I first made this after craving poutine but without a fancy trip to a Canadian diner. It quickly became a favorite snack during game nights and casual dinners alike.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: brings a hearty, savory base so choose lean meat for less grease
• Brown gravy: adds rich, comforting flavor pick a high-quality canned gravy or make your own for freshness
• Tater tots: give that essential crispy potato crunch pick frozen tots that bake evenly and crisp well
• Cheddar cheese: melts beautifully and gives sharp, creamy texture use freshly shredded for the best melt and flavor

Instructions

Build The Base:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to get the tots crispy. While it heats, brown the ground beef in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook until no pink remains breaking it up with a spoon so the meat cooks evenly and stays tender. Drain excess fat if needed.

Cook The Tater Tots:

Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until golden and crispy. This makes sure the base is nice and crunchy before adding toppings.

Layer The Cheese:

Remove the tots from the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. The residual heat starts melting the cheese while you get the other components ready.

Add The Beef:

Sprinkle the browned ground beef over the melted cheese. Using small crumbled pieces helps distribute flavor throughout the dish.

Pour The Gravy:

Gently pour the warm brown gravy over the beef and cheese layer. Aim for even coverage so every bite gets a saucy hit.

Final Bake:

Return the loaded pan to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes. The cheese will melt fully and the gravy warms through creating that signature gooey poutine consistency.

Serve Hot:

Serve the poutine straight from the oven while the cheese is melted and the tots remain crispy for the perfect contrast.

Cheddar cheese is my favorite because it melts smoothly and has just enough sharpness to cut through the richness of the gravy. This dish reminds me of cozy winter nights eating takeout-style poutine at home surrounded by friends.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to keep the tots crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tots soggy.

Ingredient Swaps

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter dish. Use mushroom or plant-based crumbles to keep it vegetarian. Try pepper jack instead of cheddar for a little heat or mozzarella for a milder cheese pull.

Serving Ideas

Top with chopped green onions, parsley, or a dollop of sour cream to brighten and add freshness. Serve alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness. This also works great as a hearty party appetizer.

Enjoy this as your new comfort classic whether you are feeding hungry family or crowd-pleasing at gatherings.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What kind of cheese works best for this dish?

Cheddar cheese melts well and adds a sharp, creamy flavor, but you can experiment with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for milder tastes.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

You can brown the beef and bake the tots ahead of time, then assemble and finish baking right before serving to keep everything hot and fresh.

→ How do I make a vegetarian version?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free alternative that still offers rich texture.

→ What side dishes complement this meal?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables balance the richness, while pickles or coleslaw add a refreshing tang.

→ How can I add extra flavor or garnish?

Sprinkle chopped green onions, parsley, or a dash of smoked paprika to enhance flavor and presentation.