This Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the comfort food you never knew you needed! It’s the perfect fusion of a classic cheeseburger and a cozy, hearty casserole. Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, crispy tater tots, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that brings all the best parts of a cheeseburger together in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving something delicious for dinner, this recipe is easy to make, filling, and totally satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you’re a fan of cheeseburgers and casseroles, this recipe is a dream come true! It takes all the flavors you love from a cheeseburger and transforms them into a warm, cheesy, and hearty casserole. The crispy tater tots add a satisfying crunch, while the savory ground beef and gooey cheese create the perfect combination. It’s a simple, one-dish dinner that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor – the ultimate comfort food for busy nights!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/4 cup pickles (diced) – optional
- 1 tbsp mustard (for drizzling) – optional
Full list of ingredients is provided below!
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat, breaking the beef into small pieces. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle both the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the beef.
- Add the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Press them down slightly so they stick to the cheese.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: If desired, top the casserole with diced pickles and a drizzle of mustard for that classic cheeseburger touch. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Add some veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, consider adding some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to the beef mixture.
- Customize the cheese: If you’re a fan of different cheeses, feel free to swap the cheddar and mozzarella for your favorite varieties – Swiss, gouda, or provolone would all work great!
- Crispier tots: If you like your tater tots extra crispy, bake them separately on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the casserole dish.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use a combination of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, vegetarian version.
- Gluten-free: Make sure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, and use gluten-free tater tots to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Cheeseburger toppings: For added flavor, you can top the casserole with lettuce, tomato, and bacon bits just before serving, to mimic the classic cheeseburger toppings.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole is hearty and filling on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or some fresh coleslaw to balance the richness. A side of roasted veggies or even crispy fries would also pair perfectly with this ultimate comfort food dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot. If reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the tater tots from getting too dry.
4 FAQs
- Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen? It’s best to use frozen tater tots for this recipe because they hold up better in the casserole and get nice and crispy during baking. Fresh tater tots might become too soggy.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would work as a substitute for ground beef in this casserole.
- How do I make this spicier? To add a little heat, you can stir in some diced jalapeños or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle chili flakes on top before baking.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal for anyone who loves the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. It’s easy to make, totally customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. With its cheesy, beefy goodness and crispy tater tots, it’s comfort food at its finest!
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Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly meal packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. Ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots come together in a single dish that’s easy to prepare and absolutely satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game day, this casserole is comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Optional toppings: Pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or bacon crumbles
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Season and sauce: Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cooked beef. Stir in ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tater tots, and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Top with pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or bacon crumbles if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, mix an additional cup of cheese into the beef mixture before layering.
- Swap ketchup and mustard with burger sauce or BBQ sauce for a flavor twist.
- Add diced pickles directly to the beef mixture for that classic cheeseburger tang.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1.5 cups
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg