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.