Irresistible Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Whip up a crowd-pleasing ultimate cheeseburger tater tot casserole that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Crispy potato nuggets mingle with savory ground beef in a delightful dance of flavors.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, creating a symphony of textures that’ll make you swoon.

Weeknight dinners just got a major upgrade with this hearty dish.

Nobody can resist the golden-brown crust and bubbling goodness that emerges from the oven.

Simple ingredients come together to create something magical that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it your new go-to meal for satisfying hunger and winning smiles.

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Everyone Keeps Requesting

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up this hearty cheeseburger tater tot casserole in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will devour this crowd-pleasing dish that combines classic burger flavors with crispy tater tots and melted cheese.
• Versatile Customization: Transform the basic recipe by adding personal touches like jalapeños, different cheese blends, or creative toppings to suit individual tastes.
• Minimal Prep Convenience: One-pan cooking and simple ingredient list make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without complex preparation.

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that forms the hearty base of the casserole, best with moderate fat content for flavor.
• Onions: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture, classic burger flavor enhancer.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that melts beautifully, key to creating a cheesy topping and binding ingredients.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy component that adds richness and helps bind sauce ingredients.
• Ketchup: Sweet and tangy sauce that mimics classic burger condiment.

• Mustard: Provides tangy kick to complement beef flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasoning that enhances overall taste profile.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color to the dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and complexity.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out other flavors.
• Tater Tots: Crispy potato base that serves as a creative alternative to traditional burger bun.

• Pickles: Fresh, tangy topping for extra crunch.
• Tomatoes: Adds freshness and color.
• Lettuce: Provides crisp texture.
• Bacon Crumbles: Optional protein and smoky flavor enhancement.

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

• Ground beef
• Diced onions

Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it sizzles.

Keep stirring until the beef turns a delicious golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Drain away any extra grease for a lighter dish.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Squeeze in ketchup, mustard, and a dollop of mayonnaise.

Stir everything together until the meat is perfectly coated.

Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to let the flavors dance together.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.

Shower the first layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat.

Carefully arrange frozen tater tots in a single beautiful layer on top of the cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Pull it out, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the crispy tater tots, and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.

You’re looking for that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese top.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set up.

• Chopped pickles
• Diced fresh tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Crispy bacon crumbles

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Quick Tips

• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for an extra umami kick that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Arrange tater tots in a single, tight layer without overlapping to ensure they crisp up perfectly and maintain a satisfying crunch.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to customize the casserole's flavor and create exciting variations.
• Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole ahead of time, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter, vegetarian-friendly versions without compromising the dish's core deliciousness.

Tater Tot Casserole Reheat Plan

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months; label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• For quick reheating, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Tater Tot Casserole Must-Have Add-Ons

• Boost Burger Flavors: Pair this hearty casserole with crisp, cold beer like pale ale or lager that cuts through the rich, meaty dish.
• Refresh with Sides: Serve alongside tangy coleslaw or crisp green salad to balance the casserole's heaviness and add bright, zesty notes.
• Cool Down Companion: Add creamy ranch or spicy sriracha mayo as dipping sauce to enhance the casserole's savory profile and provide extra flavor excitement.
• Complement with Crunch: Include pickled jalapeños or dill pickle spears to introduce sharp, acidic contrast that elevates the overall taste experience.

Cheeseburger Tater Tots With Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Replace regular tater tots with gluten-free potato tots and use gluten-free condiments to create a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
• Lean Protein Power Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat alternative that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace meat with plant-based crumbles or black beans, and use vegetable broth for added moisture and depth of taste.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crunch: Swap tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the casserole's satisfying texture and cheesy appeal.

FAQs

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free tater tots and ensure all condiments are gluten-free. Double-check the labels on ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise to confirm.

• What ground beef percentage works best?

Choose 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture. Leaner meats can result in a drier casserole, while fattier meats provide more flavor and juiciness.

• Can I substitute the tater tots with another ingredient?

Frozen potato hash browns or crispy potato cubes can work as alternatives. They’ll provide a similar crispy texture and base for the casserole.

Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this ultimate cheeseburger tater tot casserole, blending classic burger flavors with crispy potato goodness. Hearty layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and golden tater tots create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard

Starch:

• 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots

Optional Toppings:

• Pickles
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Bacon crumbles

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with a light layer of cooking spray and heating the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C).
2. In a spacious skillet, transform the ground beef and diced onions over medium heat, cooking until the meat achieves a rich, uniform brown color and releases any excess fat.
3. Elevate the beef’s flavor profile by introducing a harmonious blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Integrate ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, stirring thoroughly to create a cohesive sauce that will simmer and meld for 2-3 minutes.
4. Construct the casserole’s foundation by distributing the seasoned beef evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a robust base layer. Cascade the first portion of cheddar cheese over the meat, then meticulously arrange tater tots in a uniform, overlapping arrangement.
5. Transfer the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 30 minutes. After the initial cooking period, liberally sprinkle the remaining cheese across the golden tater tots and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a molten, appetizing blanket.
6. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes, which helps the layers integrate and cool slightly. Personalize the dish with optional garnishes like crisp pickles, vibrant diced tomatoes, fresh shredded lettuce, or crumbled bacon to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity. Serve immediately while the casserole maintains its optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tater tots and check condiment ingredients carefully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg