Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Introduction
Craving a meal that hits all the right comfort notes but is effortless to put together? Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the answer—a warm, cheesy, family-friendly meal loaded with savory ground beef, tangy pickles, and a crispy tater tot topping. If you’re looking for a dinner that’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this casserole won’t disappoint.
Why Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Is a Must-Make
This dish takes everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, melty cheese, and zesty condiments—and transforms it into a crave-worthy casserole. Each bite combines the comfort of a homemade burger with the crunch of golden tater tots, creating a truly unforgettable texture and flavor that both adults and kids will love. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable and ideal for preparing ahead.
Key Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
The heart of this casserole is a rich ground beef mixture, often sautéed with onions and garlic for depth. Using a quality SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch prevents sticking and ensures even browning for your beef and veggies. For perfect tater tots, arrange them in a single, tight layer so they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Chopping your onions, pickles, and tomatoes is a breeze with a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, saving precious prep time and keeping all your pieces uniform for even cooking.
Enhance your casserole’s texture by mashing the beef mixture to ensure it’s crumbly, using a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Black. This gadget helps break the beef up seamlessly for that classic cheeseburger feel.
Assembling and Cooking Your Casserole
Once your beef is cooked and seasoned, layer it with cheese and signature burger toppings (like pickles and ketchup) in a baking dish. Frozen tater tots go on top, creating a crunchy, golden blanket as it bakes. For effortless cleanup, line your baking dish with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet before assembling.
Bake until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is deliciously bubbly, then top with a scatter of fresh tomatoes, chopped lettuce, or an extra drizzle of burger sauce before serving.
Serving & Storing Suggestions
Serve your casserole hot out of the oven with a fresh green salad or sautéed veggies for balance. If packing leftovers, keep portions fresh with stackable Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy lunches the next day.
This dish is perfect for meal prep or to bring to gatherings, thanks to its sturdy, scoopable structure and irresistible flavors.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each serving is typically around 500–600 calories, depending on cheese and meat portions—making it a wholesome, all-in-one dinner that’s filling and satisfying.
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (Recap)
All the flavors of a burger in one delicious bake: juicy beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots. This casserole is sure to become a recurring favorite with how easy, fun, and satisfying it is.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for an easy cleanup.
- Heat a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up meat with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in ketchup, mustard, and chopped pickles. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar and the milk, mixing until smooth.
- Arrange frozen tater tots evenly over the meat mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with diced tomatoes, lettuce, and extra pickles if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
