Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

When you combine two classic comfort foods—cheeseburgers and tater tots—you get the ultimate hearty, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing dish: Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole. This recipe is a family favorite, offering the flavors of a cheeseburger in an easy-to-make casserole form. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, this casserole is as delicious as it is filling. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and crispy tater tots, every bite is packed with flavor.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a mouthwatering Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole. You’ll learn about the ingredients, preparation steps, and how to customize the dish to suit your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy meal that the whole family will love, this recipe is sure to become a go-to option.

Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Comfort Food at Its Best: This casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger with crispy, golden tater tots on top.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, this casserole is as simple as it is tasty.
• Kid-Friendly: If you have picky eaters, this recipe is a great option. The familiar flavors of cheeseburgers and tater tots are sure to appeal to kids and adults alike.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze. No need for multiple pans and utensils!
• Versatile: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, add extra veggies, or swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-500 calories (depending on portion size and ingredients)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (you can use lean or extra-lean ground beef for a healthier option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup ketchup (optional, for extra cheeseburger flavor)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will allow the casserole to cook evenly and the tater tots to become perfectly crispy while the beef mixture bakes.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula or spoon to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure the beef browns evenly.

Once the beef is fully cooked and browned, add the diced onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

3. Season the Beef Mixture

After the beef and onions are cooked, add the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine the seasonings and allow the flavors to meld for 1-2 minutes. Worcestershire sauce adds a rich, savory flavor to the beef, making it taste just like a cheeseburger.

Once the seasoning is well-mixed, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.

4. Prepare the Casserole Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little bit of oil. This will ensure that the casserole comes out of the dish easily once it’s done baking.

Pour the cooked ground beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. The beef mixture will form the base layer of the casserole, giving it that rich, meaty flavor that’s characteristic of a cheeseburger.

5. Add the Cheese Soup Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix the condensed cheddar cheese soup with the milk and ketchup (if using). The ketchup adds a little extra cheeseburger flavor, but it’s optional if you prefer a more classic casserole flavor.

Stir the soup mixture until it’s smooth, then pour it over the ground beef layer in the casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread the soup evenly across the beef, making sure it’s well-covered.

6. Top with Shredded Cheese

Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the soup mixture. The cheese will melt and create a creamy, gooey layer that ties the whole casserole together. If you love extra cheese, feel free to add more on top!

7. Arrange the Tater Tots

Now comes the fun part: topping the casserole with tater tots! Take the frozen tater tots and arrange them in an even layer on top of the casserole. You can arrange them in rows or scatter them randomly, depending on your preference. The tater tots will bake into a golden, crispy topping that’s both crunchy and comforting.

8. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. The beef mixture should be bubbly, and the cheese should be melted and gooey. If you want the tater tots to be extra crispy, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it so the tots don’t burn.

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

9. Garnish and Serve

For an extra touch, sprinkle the casserole with fresh parsley before serving. The bright green parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the casserole.

Serve the Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole hot, and enjoy it with a side of pickles, a simple salad, or your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup or mustard.

Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Use Lean Ground Beef: If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. While it will alter the flavor slightly, it will still make for a delicious and lighter casserole.
• Customize with Toppings: You can customize this casserole by adding different toppings. Try adding crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also top the casserole with some spicy jalapeño slices before baking.
• Add More Vegetables: For a more balanced dish, consider adding vegetables like chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the ground beef mixture. You can sauté them along with the onions and garlic for extra flavor.
• Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, American, or pepper jack cheese all melt beautifully and will give the casserole a different flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and follow the baking instructions.

Variations of Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole: For bacon lovers, add crumbled cooked bacon to the beef mixture for a smoky, savory flavor. You can also top the casserole with more crispy bacon before serving.
• Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or beans for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach to fill the void left by the meat.
• Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole with BBQ Sauce: For a smoky twist, try swapping the ketchup for BBQ sauce. The tangy BBQ flavor pairs beautifully with the beef and cheese, creating a unique and delicious variation of this classic dish.
• Mexican Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole: For a Mexican-inspired version, add taco seasoning to the ground beef and layer the casserole with diced tomatoes, black beans, and sliced jalapeños. Top with shredded Mexican cheese for a zesty twist.

Serving Ideas

• Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a simple green salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the dish. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast.
• Pickles and Condiments: Serve the casserole with a side of pickles or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard for a true cheeseburger experience.
• Garlic Bread: For extra indulgence, serve the casserole with warm garlic bread or toasted buns on the side. The buttery garlic bread complements the savory casserole perfectly.
• Crispy Onion Rings: If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, serve the casserole with crispy onion rings for a fun and flavorful side dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The casserole can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until hot.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen leftovers, let the casserole thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Print

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect combination of two beloved comfort foods—cheeseburgers and tater tots—packed into one easy-to-make and delicious dish. With its rich ground beef layer, creamy cheese soup, and crispy tater tot topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, customizable, and guaranteed to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that never disappoints.