The Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort food meets pure indulgence in this mouthwatering cheeseburger tater tot casserole that promises to satisfy deep cravings.

Layers of seasoned ground beef create a hearty foundation for crispy potato gems.

Melted cheese blankets every delectable bite with rich, gooey goodness.

Each forkful delivers a nostalgic blend of classic burger flavors and cozy casserole comfort.

Weeknight dinners just became significantly more exciting with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, you’ll want to make this recipe part of your regular meal rotation.

Prepare to become the dinner hero everyone adores.

Why Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Is a Crowd Favorite

• Boost Family Dinners: Pack this casserole with hearty ingredients that kids and adults will absolutely love, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine ground beef, tater tots, and cheese in one pan for an effortless cooking experience that minimizes kitchen cleanup and maximizes delicious results.
• Comfort Food Champion: Deliver a classic comfort dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a satisfying meal with rich, indulgent flavors that warm the soul and tantalize taste buds.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this no-fuss casserole with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy families seeking a stress-free dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste.

What You Need for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat for the base of the casserole.
• Bacon: Crispy and salty flavor enhancer.

• Cheddar Cheese Condensed Soup: Creamy binding ingredient.
• Sour Cream: Rich and tangy mixture component.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese topping.
• Milk: Smooth liquid for mixing.

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato base for the casserole.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy flavor booster.
• Garlic Powder: Savory seasoning.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer.
• Black Pepper: Subtle spicy seasoning.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Pan greasing helper.

Making Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by turning the dial to 350 degrees.

Grab a 9×13 baking pan and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Keep stirring the meat until it transforms from pink to a rich brown color.

Once cooked, drain away any extra grease to keep your dish lean and tasty.

Step 3: Season The Meat

• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these seasonings into the meat so every bite packs a punch.

Step 4: Create The Creamy Base

• Cheddar cheese condensed soup
• Sour cream
• Cooked bacon pieces
• Milk

Stir everything together until the beef is completely coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Layer The Casserole

Pour the beef mixture into your prepared baking pan.

Top with frozen tater tots and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.

Use a spatula to distribute everything evenly across the pan.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges start bubbling and the top turns golden and crispy.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Pull out your bubbling casserole and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Smart Tips for Tater Tot Casserole Success

• Remove as much grease as possible to keep the casserole from becoming soggy and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or lean ground chicken for a lighter version that still delivers on taste and protein.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a mix of cheeses to add depth and excitement to the classic cheddar base.
• Use gluten-free condensed soup and verify that your tater tots are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready – perfect for busy weeknights or meal planning enthusiasts.

How to Save and Reheat Tater Tot Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Zap individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and preserve the tater tots' crispy texture.

Best Pairings for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a light, acidic side dish with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing to balance the casserole's hearty and creamy texture.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with a light vinaigrette to add brightness and provide a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Enhance with Crisp Chardonnay: Choose a lightly oaked Chardonnay that offers buttery notes to match the casserole's creamy elements while providing a sophisticated wine pairing.

Fun Twists on Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, using vegetable soup instead of beef-based condensed soup for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular tater tots with gluten-free potato rounds and use certified gluten-free condensed soup to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crunch: Substitute tater tots with cauliflower florets and add extra cheese to create a keto-friendly alternative that maintains the casserole's hearty essence.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut milk instead of regular milk, and dairy-free cream soup to create an allergen-friendly version that doesn't compromise on flavor.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole?

The key ingredients include ground beef, tater tots, cheddar cheese condensed soup, sour cream, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this casserole because it combines classic comfort foods like beef, cheese, and crispy tater tots into one delicious dish that’s easy to eat.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it directly from the refrigerator.

• What makes the beef extra flavorful in this recipe?

Draining excess grease and seasoning the beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper creates a rich, well-developed flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Quick comfort meets pure indulgence with this cheeseburger tater tot casserole, blending classic burger flavors into a hearty one-pan meal. Crispy potato tots crown layers of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, promising a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces (8 oz) sour cream
• 10.5 ounces (10.5 oz) cheddar cheese condensed soup
• 1/2 cup milk

Toppings and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
• 32 ounces (32 oz) frozen tater tots, kept frozen

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Instructions

1. Prepare a well-greased 9×13 baking dish and preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, continuously breaking and stirring until completely browned.
3. Carefully drain excess grease from the cooked beef to ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
4. Enhance the beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Incorporate condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and milk into the seasoned beef, creating a rich and creamy mixture.
6. Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
7. Gently fold frozen tater tots and shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture, ensuring complete coverage and distribution.
8. Smooth the top of the casserole with a spatula to create an uniform surface for consistent baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and golden-brown tater tots as indicators of complete cooking.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving to help the casserole set and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
• Swap regular tater tots with cauliflower tots for a lower-carb alternative that still delivers incredible crunch and satisfaction.
• Consider using turkey bacon or plant-based bacon bits to make the recipe more diet-friendly and accommodate different nutritional needs.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or green onions on top after baking to add a bright, fresh element that cuts through the richness of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg