Chef Rachel created this cheeseburger tater tot casserole as the ultimate comfort food that brings together two beloved classics in one satisfying dish. This easy hamburger recipe combines seasoned ground beef, crispy golden tater tots, and loads of melted cheese for a family favorite dinner that requires minimal effort. The layers of savory beef mixture topped with crunchy tots and gooey cheddar cheese make this casserole recipe perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Families love this beef recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that even picky eaters enjoy. The combination of ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce creates authentic cheeseburger flavors, while the tater tots add a fun twist that makes this casserole recipe truly special.
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (Family Favorite)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add ground beef and diced onions to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up beef as it cooks, until no longer pink.
- Drain excess grease from the pan using a colander.
- Return beef to skillet and stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat for 3-4 minutes until sauce is heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Let the heat melt the cheese completely.
- Spread beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering entire surface.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for 5 more minutes until cheese melts.
- Let casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Drain the beef well to prevent a greasy casserole.
Shred cheese from a block for better melting than pre-shredded cheese.
Add canned green beans or corn between beef and tater tots for extra vegetables.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Make ahead and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking.
Store leftovers in refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheat in microwave or 350°F oven until heated through. Calories: 520
Protein: 28
Servings: 8
Equipment for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Box grater for shredding cheese
- Colander for draining beef
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ medium onion, diced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Optional Toppings:
- Diced pickles
- Sliced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sour cream
- Green onions
Instructions for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the ground beef and diced onions to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink and the onions become translucent.
- Drain any excess grease from the pan using a colander to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Return the beef to the skillet and stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and evenly distributed.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the residual heat from the beef mixture to melt the cheese completely, creating a creamy, cheesy layer.
- Spread the beef and cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface. No need to thaw the tater tots first.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 1050mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Calcium | 280mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Based on 8 servings
Tips and Variations for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Cheese Options
Mix different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or American cheese for varied flavors in your hamburger meat recipes. Shred cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese for better melting and creamier texture throughout this casserole recipe.
Protein Alternatives
Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version of this beef recipe while maintaining the same cooking method. Ground sirloin works wonderfully if you prefer extra-lean meat, though you may want to add a tablespoon of butter to prevent dryness.
Vegetable Additions
- Layer canned green beans or corn between the beef and tater tots for added nutrition
- Mix diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the beef mixture
- Add a can of drained diced tomatoes to the meat for extra moisture
- Incorporate frozen mixed vegetables for a complete one-dish meal
Flavor Variations
Create BBQ cheeseburger tater tot casserole by replacing ketchup with BBQ sauce and adding a drizzle on top before serving. Make it spicy by mixing in jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for those who love heat in their dinner recipes.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Creamy Variation
Add cream of mushroom soup or a mixture of sour cream and cream cheese to the beef layer for an ultra-creamy texture that makes this hamburger recipe even more indulgent.
Hashbrown Substitution
Replace tater tots with frozen shredded hashbrowns for a different texture while keeping all the delicious cheeseburger flavors intact in this versatile casserole recipe.
FAQs
Do I need to cook the tater tots before adding them to the casserole?
No, you place frozen tater tots directly on top of the beef mixture without thawing or pre-cooking them. The tater tots bake perfectly in the oven alongside the casserole, becoming golden and crispy during the 25-minute baking time.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, this cheeseburger tater tot casserole freezes beautifully for meal prep and makes one of the best freezer-friendly dinner recipes. Assemble the casserole completely with the cheese on top, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
What sides pair well with this casserole?
Serve this hearty casserole with light sides like fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw to balance the richness. The casserole is substantial on its own, so simple vegetable sides work best for complete meals.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover cheeseburger tater tot casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion
This cheeseburger tater tot casserole transforms ordinary ground beef into an extraordinary family favorite that satisfies everyone at the dinner table. The combination of seasoned beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese creates comfort food at its finest while requiring minimal effort in the kitchen. Whether you’re planning easy weeknight dinners or need a crowd-pleasing casserole recipe for gatherings, this hamburger meat recipe delivers every time with its unbeatable combination of flavors and textures that keep families coming back for seconds.
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