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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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