This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the stuff of weeknight dinner dreams! Imagine all the juicy, cheesy flavors of your favorite burger layered into a bubbly, comforting bake topped with golden, crispy tater tots. It's hearty, ooey-gooey, and straight-up irresistible.

What makes this casserole a must-try? It's incredibly easy to throw together, totally customizable, and brings pure comfort to the table in under an hour. Plus, picky eaters and hungry crowds both LOVE it.

Perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or anytime you're craving retro diner vibes at home. This recipe was inspired by my love for all things cheesy and satisfying-my family requests it on repeat!

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole fresh from the oven

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ultimate comfort food with classic cheeseburger flavors in every bite
Quick and easy prep-straightforward steps for busy nights
Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved-perfect for family dinners or potlucks
Totally customizable with your favorite burger toppings or mix-ins

Key Ingredients for 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, packing in that signature cheeseburger flavor. I recommend using 85 percent lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, but beef brings the most authentic taste.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar delivers creamy, gooey melt and rich flavor throughout the casserole. You can use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but shredding your own from a block will melt even better. Try Colby Jack or a Mexican blend if you want a twist.

Tater Tots

Frozen tater tots create that ultra-crispy golden topping and are a fun alternative to a traditional casserole crust. No need to thaw them-just arrange straight from the freezer. You could also use hash brown patties in a pinch, but tots give the best crunch.

Onion

A sautéed yellow onion adds subtle sweetness and savory depth to the beef layer. Dice it evenly so it melts right into the filling. Red onion or shallots work too if that's what you have on hand.

Pickles

Chopped dill pickles give the casserole that classic burger tang and extra zip. If you're not a pickle fan, you can leave them out or swap in chopped banana peppers for a little kick.

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole cooking process

Instructions for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Ground Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and diced onions. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the meat is browned and onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Season and Build the Cheeseburger Base

Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the chopped pickles. Mix well to combine all those classic cheeseburger flavors.

Add Cheese and Soup

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Mix until everything is creamy and evenly combined-this will help the casserole stay extra moist.

Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom. Sprinkle remaining pickles over the top, then arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer to fully cover the filling.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until tater tots are crispy and golden brown. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven for 5 more minutes, until melted and bubbly.

Add Finishing Touches and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Top with extra pickles, sliced green onions, or more cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Love a little heat? Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef layer. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the finished casserole for a fiery kick.

Bacon Cheeseburger Twist

Crumble cooked bacon into the beef mixture or sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top with the last layer of cheese. It adds a savory, smoky flavor that takes this casserole over the top.

Gluten-Free Swap

Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and double-check your tater tots are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe works perfectly for gluten-free eaters.

Lighter Version

Swap ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef and use reduced-fat cheese and soup. It's still hearty and flavorful with fewer calories.

Veggie-Forward

Replace half of the beef with finely chopped mushrooms or seasoned lentils for a meaty texture with a plant-based boost. Great for sneaking in more veggies!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole with a crisp green salad or classic coleslaw for a fresh contrast. A side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli rounds out the meal. For burger night flair, offer ketchup, mustard, and extra pickles at the table!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place portions in the microwave until hot, or bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to crisp up the tots. You can freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (FAQ)

Q: Can I assemble Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prep and assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.

Q: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

A: Cream of chicken soup works great, or try making your own homemade white sauce if you prefer fewer processed ingredients.

Q: How do I make this casserole vegetarian?

A: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils, and use a vegetarian-friendly soup to keep it meatless.

This casserole is total comfort in a pan-cheesy, crispy, and bursting with those classic burger flavors. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner and let me know what you think! Leave a comment or rating below-I love hearing how this crowd-pleaser works in your kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe