Shrimp and Tater Tot Mac and Cheese Casserole

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-02 · Updated 2026-07-02

Comforting baked casserole combining creamy macaroni and cheese with crispy tater tots and succulent shrimp for a satisfying meal. This American-inspired comfort-food recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs elbow macaroni, large shrimp, frozen tater tots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 12, peeled and deveined large shrimp
• 2 cups frozen tater tots
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly and golden. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir the drained macaroni and 12 peeled, deveined large shrimp into the cheese sauce. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread 2 cups frozen tater tots on top.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy, and shrimp are cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.