Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the best elements of a cheeseburger and tater tots in one satisfying meal. The combination of seasoned ground beef, savory cheese, and crispy tater tots makes for an incredibly flavorful and filling casserole. It’s quick to prepare, requiring minimal effort and ingredients, and the whole family will devour it in no time. Whether you serve it for dinner or as a fun weekend meal, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 packet of taco seasoning (or 1 tablespoon homemade seasoning mix)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Ketchup and mustard (optional, for topping)

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

Directions

1. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

2. Season the beef: Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened. Stir in the taco seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cream of mushroom soup and milk to the mixture, and stir until combined. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

3. Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.

4. Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. It’s okay if they overlap slightly; just make sure they cover the entire surface.

5. Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Optional: drizzle ketchup and mustard on top for a true cheeseburger experience.

7. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy casserole!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

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

• Use different cheese: Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, American cheese, or a cheese blend, for a different twist on the casserole.

• Spicy version: Add a few diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

• Use ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

• Gluten-Free: Make sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and tater tots to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

If you prefer fresh potatoes, you can slice them thinly and arrange them on top of the casserole. You’ll need to bake it for a bit longer, about 45-50 minutes, to ensure the potatoes cook through and become crispy.

3. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and prepare the beef mixture as usual, then transfer it to a slow cooker. Top with cheese and tater tots, then cook on low for 3-4 hours until heated through and the tater tots are crispy.

4. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this casserole vegetarian by using a plant-based meat substitute or simply using beans and vegetables instead of ground beef. Add additional seasonings as needed.

5. How can I make the casserole spicier?

To add spice, you can mix in diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a tablespoon of hot sauce into the beef mixture.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With a savory beef base, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots on top, it’s a fun and flavorful twist on the classic cheeseburger. Easy to prepare and sure to be a hit, this casserole is a great choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Whip it up and enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness that everyone will love!