Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and delicious. The savory beef is seasoned with familiar flavors, like ketchup and mustard, and paired with gooey melted cheese. The crispy tater tots on top add a satisfying crunch, making every bite full of flavor and texture. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare with minimal effort—just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the beef mixture:

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

• Add the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

2. Prepare the creamy sauce:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a little more milk, but the consistency should be thick.

3. Assemble the casserole:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.

• Pour the soup mixture over the beef, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, then carefully arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the top of the cheese.

4. Bake the casserole:

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. If you want them even crispier, you can bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.

5. Serve:

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Cut into squares and serve hot. You can garnish with chopped green onions, pickles, or a drizzle of extra ketchup and mustard for an extra “cheeseburger” touch!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 people

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: You can stir in frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

• Use different cheese: Swap out cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even American cheese for a more traditional cheeseburger taste.

• Make it spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce, or top the casserole with sliced jalapeños before baking for a spicy kick.

• Ground turkey or chicken: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this casserole.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?

Yes, frozen tater tots are typically used for convenience, but if you have fresh tater tots, you can certainly use them in the recipe as well. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, you may need to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.

Can I make this recipe without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with other options like cream of chicken soup, or even a homemade white sauce (béchamel) if you prefer a from-scratch approach.

How do I keep the tater tots from getting soggy?

To keep the tater tots crispy, avoid overcooking the casserole in the sauce. Make sure to bake it at a high enough temperature (375°F) so the tater tots can crisp up nicely. If needed, you can also increase the baking time slightly to ensure they stay golden and crisp.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole. Assemble the casserole, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds—cheeseburgers and tater tots—in an easy, delicious casserole. The savory beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots come together in a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, potluck, or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone. Simple to make, comforting to eat, and completely satisfying!

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