Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a super comforting dish loaded with all the best parts of a cheeseburger—ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots baked right on top. It’s…
Tip: save now, cook later.Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a super comforting dish loaded with all the best parts of a cheeseburger—ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots baked right on top. It’s like a warm, cheesy hug on a plate, with that golden, crunchy topping that makes every bite fun and satisfying.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it’s easy to throw together, and everyone in my family asks for seconds. I usually brown the beef with a little onion and seasoning before spreading it in the dish, then pile on the tater tots and lots of cheese. It’s simple but hits all the right spots, especially when you want something cozy without a lot of fuss.
One of my favorite ways to serve it is with a side of pickles or a fresh green salad to balance out all the cheesy goodness. And if you like a little extra kick, adding some ketchup or mustard on top before digging in gives it that classic burger vibe. This casserole always brings a smile to the dinner table and reminds me of those fun, casual meals where everyone can relax and enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the heart of the dish, giving you that classic burger flavor. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well too. Just be sure to season it well.
Onion & garlic: They add lots of flavor to the beef. Yellow or white onions are best. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder is a handy substitute.
Ketchup, mustard & Worcestershire sauce: These bring that familiar cheeseburger tang and sweetness. If you’re out of Worcestershire, a splash of soy sauce can work. Adjust ketchup to your taste if you like it sweeter or tangier.
Tater tots: They make the casserole crispy and fun. You can swap them for frozen hash browns or even diced potatoes if needed, but tater tots give the best crunch.
Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice sharpness, but a mix with Monterey Jack or mozzarella makes it gooey and mild. Feel free to use dairy-free cheese if needed.
How Can I Get the Tater Tots Crispy Without Burning the Casserole?
The tater tots on top are the star for crispiness, but it’s easy they overcook or dry out. Here’s how I make sure they come out golden and perfect:
- Arrange tots in a single layer on top to allow even crisping.
- Bake uncovered so steam can escape and tots don’t get soggy.
- If the tots aren’t crisp enough after the time’s up, pop under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn.
- Cover the casserole loosely with foil the first 20 minutes of baking to cook the inside fully, then remove foil so tots can brown.
This way, the inside stays juicy while the top turns perfectly crispy and cheesy. Patience here makes all the difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and onions evenly.
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – roomy enough to layer all the ingredients and bake them evenly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps you stir and spread the beef mixture without scratching your pan or dish.
- Grater – for shredding cheese fresh, which melts better than pre-shredded.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot casserole dish when taking it out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option that still tastes great.
- Stir in cooked bacon bits for extra smoky flavor and crunch.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for more veggies and texture.
- Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to give the casserole a mild spicy kick.
How to Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (plus extra for topping)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 package (32 oz / 900g) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and another 30-35 minutes to bake until it’s bubbly and the tater tots are golden and crispy. So, in total, plan for around 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the beef is nicely browned and the onion softens, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any extra fat if there is a lot. Then add minced garlic (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything well.
2. Add the Sauce Ingredients:
Mix in the ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors together nicely.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the beef mixture evenly at the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tater tots.
4. Bake and Finish:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until you see the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the dish from the oven and add the halved cherry tomatoes, extra chopped onion, and green onions on top as a fresh garnish. Serve warm, and feel free to add pickles, ketchup, or mustard on the side to enjoy that classic cheeseburger taste!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Casserole?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed ground beef for even cooking. If using frozen, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave before cooking.
Can I Substitute Tater Tots with Another Potato Option?
Absolutely! Frozen hash browns or diced potatoes work well too. Just keep in mind that tater tots give the crispiest topping, so other potatoes might be a bit softer.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Casserole?
Yes! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even frozen peas with the beef for extra flavor and nutrition. Just cook them along with the beef before assembling the casserole.