Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole combines all of the classic elements of a cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melted cheese, tangy ketchup, and mustard—into a single dish that’s then topped with crispy tater tots. It’s easy to make, filling, and a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.
This casserole has layers of flavor that come together beautifully in the oven, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table. Serve it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
3. Make the Cheeseburger Mixture
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, and sour cream. Add the can of cream of mushroom (or cream of cheddar) soup, and mix everything together until well combined. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface.
5. Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time to get the tater tots extra crispy—just keep a close eye to avoid burning.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped pickles for a tangy bite and some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Ground Beef: For a richer flavor, use 80/20 ground beef. You can also substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives this casserole a creamy, melty texture. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as pepper jack for a bit of spice.
- Soup Options: Cream of mushroom soup works well, but you can use cream of cheddar or cream of chicken soup if you prefer a different flavor.
- Crispy Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, make sure to broil for the last couple of minutes and keep them evenly spaced on top.
Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole: Cook 4-6 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble them, and add them to the ground beef mixture or sprinkle them over the cheese layer before adding the tater tots.
- Loaded Tater Tot Casserole: Add some sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle cooked crumbled bacon on top.
- BBQ Cheeseburger Casserole: Substitute half of the ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the ground beef and tater tots.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and use cream of celery soup for a vegetarian option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the tater tots, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. When ready to bake, add the tater tots and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if necessary since it will be cold.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
If you prefer fresh potatoes, you can slice them into thin rounds and layer them on top of the casserole. However, you may need to adjust the baking time to ensure the potatoes cook through fully.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with crispy, golden tater tots. It’s a fun and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its savory ground beef, tangy ketchup and mustard, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Give this recipe a try for your next family dinner—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how delicious it tastes!
Let me know if you need more variations or additional tips for this recip