Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Comfort Food Twist: Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of a cheeseburger transformed into a cozy casserole. Comfort food at its best!

Kid-Friendly: Say goodbye to mealtime battles! With all the familiar ingredients that kids love, this casserole is a guaranteed hit with both children and adults.

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of beef, gooey cheese, crispy potatoes, and tangy toppings is sure to satisfy your biggest cheeseburger cravings!

Versatile Serving: This delightful casserole is perfect for potlucks, game days, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• Frozen Tater Tots: These crispy little wonders form the glorious top layer and mimic the taste of fries.
• Ground Beef: The star of any cheeseburger! For a healthier option, go for lean ground beef (85/15).
• Onion & Garlic: Aromatics that elevate the flavor of the beef to another level.
• Condiments: A combination of ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce will create a rich and tangy sauce.
• Seasonings: Keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or spice it up with smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
• Dill Pickles: Essential for that signature cheeseburger tang.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: No cheeseburger is complete without this! It melts beautifully, adding creamy goodness.
• Crumbled Bacon: The icing on the cake that adds a delightful salty crunch.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh tomatoes, lettuce, pickle slices, and additional condiments can round out the cheeseburger experience!

How to Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole captures all the goodness of a cheeseburger topped with crunchy tater tots. It’s hearty, cheesy, and brimming with nostalgia. To whip it up, just follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with cooking spray.

2. Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion, stirring frequently until the beef is browned.

3. Add the Flavor

Stir in the minced garlic, ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, and diced pickles. Mix well and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

4. Layer It Up

Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top it off with a layer of tater tots, arranging them in a single layer.

5. Bake

Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

6. Cheese It

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

7. Serve

Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with crumbled bacon and your choice of garnishes. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Tips For the Best Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

This delightful casserole is perfect for those evenings when cooking seems like a daunting task but you still crave something comforting. Here are some tips to make it even better:

• Grate the Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded varieties.
• Pat the Pickles: Drying off the pickles helps prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
• Tailor the Sauce: Taste the beef sauce and adjust condiments and seasonings as desired.
• Layer Strategically: For best presentation, keep layers distinct and tidy. Arrange tater tots in neat rows, minimizing gaps.
• Crisp the Tots: For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole on the center rack for 1-2 minutes after baking.
• Customize: Swap ground beef for turkey for a lighter dish or add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Try different cheeses for variation!
• Prep in Advance: You can prepare the beef mixture up to a day ahead. Simply add the tater tots before baking.

How to Store

Unlike fast food cheeseburgers, this casserole reheats beautifully!

To Store: Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

To Freeze: Wrap the unbaked, assembled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for 3-4 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

To Reheat: For a crispier top, reheat the casserole in a preheated 400°F oven for 7-10 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, although the tater tots will lose some crispiness.

Note: It’s not recommended to freeze leftovers after they’ve been baked, as the texture of the tots may suffer.

More Hearty Casseroles Your Family Will Love

• Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
• Taco Hashbrown Casserole
• Beef Lombardi Casserole
• Chili Cornbread Casserole