Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food-Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole! This dish is layered with savory ground beef, melty cheese, and golden, crispy tater tots, all baked together into pure, scoopable bliss.
It's everything you crave in a cheeseburger, but cozier and even easier-no buns required! Each bite is rich, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, thanks to a creamy sauce and plenty of gooey cheddar.
Best of all, it comes together in just one pan and is a massive hit with both kids and adults. This is a weeknight hero, potluck favorite, and nostalgic treat all in one. Inspired by classic diner flavors, this casserole has quickly become a staple in my family for both busy nights and casual gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Super easy, with minimal prep and cleanup-perfect for busy nights
- All the flavor of a juicy cheeseburger, but in cozy, casserole form
- Loved by kids and adults alike, making it great for family dinners
- Feeds a crowd and is perfect for potlucks or gatherings
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Ground Beef
This is the hearty base of the casserole, giving that signature cheeseburger taste. Opt for 85 or 90 percent lean ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and less grease. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can also work well here-just be sure to season generously.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar provides melty, gooey goodness and rich flavor throughout the casserole. For best results, shred your own cheese from a block-it melts smoother than pre-shredded. You can swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a different twist.
Frozen Tater Tots
These crispy potato bites make the perfect topping, soaking up the cheesy sauce underneath while staying golden and crunchy on top. No need to thaw before baking-just layer them straight from the freezer. Hash brown rounds or even seasoned fries can be substituted for a fun variation.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
This classic casserole ingredient ties everything together with a creamy, savory sauce. If you're not a fan, cream of chicken or cheddar soups also work. Want to skip the canned soup? Try making your own simple white sauce for a homemade touch.
Dill Pickles
Chopped pickles add an irresistible tang that mimics your favorite cheeseburger. Dice them small so every bite gets a pop of flavor. If you're not a pickle fan, leave them out or swap for pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Instructions for Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
Season and Build the Cheeseburger Base
Stir in the salt, pepper, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Let the mixture bubble for 1-2 minutes to combine all the savory burger flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and chopped dill pickles. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Layer the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top, covering completely. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots for extra savory goodness.
Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are crisp and golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving-this helps everything set up perfectly.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the casserole with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Scoop and serve hot, making sure everyone gets plenty of crispy tots and cheesy beef!
Recipe Variations
Make It Spicy
Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture and swap in pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick. You can also sprinkle some pickled jalapeño slices on top before baking.
Veggie-Packed Version
Stir in 1 cup of diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the onions for an extra boost of color and nutrition. This is a great way to sneak in more veggies for picky eaters.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure your tater tots are certified gluten-free. Everything else stays the same, so you can enjoy this comfort classic worry-free!
Bacon Cheeseburger Twist
Mix in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon with the beef for an irresistible smoky bacon cheeseburger flavor. Top with a little extra cheese for good measure!
Dairy-Free Option
Substitute the sour cream and cheddar cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use a dairy-free cream soup. The result is still deliciously creamy and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a classic diner vibe, add a side of steamed green beans or pickled vegetables. Top each portion with extra chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce for a fun, customizable finish.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave until heated through, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to re-crisp the tater tots. You can freeze baked casserole in airtight containers for up to 2 months-thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (FAQ)
Q: Can I make Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?A: You can substitute with cream of chicken or cheddar soup, or use a homemade white sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups.
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?A: While tater tots give the best crispy texture, you can use thinly sliced par-cooked potatoes or hash brown patties. The result will be more like a classic potato casserole but still tasty!
Ready to dig into the ultimate comfort casserole? This Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that checks every box-hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly easy. I hope it becomes a new family favorite for you, too. If you try it, be sure to leave a comment or rating below-I love hearing how these dishes turn out in your kitchens!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup chopped dill pickles
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
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3Stir in salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard. Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
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4Remove from heat and mix in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half the cheddar cheese, and chopped dill pickles. Stir until smooth and creamy.
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5Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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6Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
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7Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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