Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a super comforting dish that brings together crispy tater tots, ground beef, melty cheese, and all those classic cheeseburger flavors in one easy-to-love meal. It’s like your favorite burger and fries, but baked into a warm, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for any night of the week.
I love making this casserole when I want something satisfying and fuss-free. It’s one of those recipes where everything comes together quickly, but the end result feels like a special treat. I’m a big fan of adding a little extra cheese on top just before baking to get that golden, bubbly crust I can’t resist. Plus, it’s great for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
When I serve this, I usually pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to balance out all that cheesy goodness. It’s also a big hit with kids and adults alike, making it a guaranteed winner at any family dinner. For me, this casserole always brings back fun memories of casual get-togethers and cozy nights in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish. I prefer lean ground beef (85/15) to keep it juicy without too much grease. If you want a lighter or different twist, ground turkey or plant-based beef works well too.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: It adds creaminess and depth. For a dairy-free or homemade option, use cream of chicken soup or make a simple roux with broth and milk.
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots give this casserole its signature crispy top. You could swap in frozen hash browns or diced roasted potatoes if needed.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely and adds great flavor. If you like, try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey stretch or pepper jack for a little kick.
Ketchup & Mustard: They create the classic cheeseburger taste. Yellow mustard is mild, while Dijon adds a little tang. Feel free to add a splash of BBQ sauce for smokiness.
How Do You Get Crispy, Golden Tater Tots on Top?
Getting the tater tots crispy is key for the perfect casserole texture. Here’s how I do it:
- Arrange tater tots in a single, even layer. Crowding makes them soggy.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F so moisture can escape and tots crisp up.
- Check around 30 minutes—if they’re not crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Adding cheese over tots helps lock in flavor but don’t cover them too thickly or they won’t crisp well.
These tips help the tots stay golden and crunchy while the inside stays warm and melty. It’s worth the wait!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and cooking onions in one pan.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – gives plenty of room for layering and baking the casserole evenly.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – great for stirring the meat mixture without scratching your pan.
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese) – makes shredding cheese quick and easy for melty layers.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to keep it lighter but still tasty.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies and flavor.
- Use pepper jack or smoked gouda cheese for a bit of spice or smokiness.
- Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or chili powder for a spicy kick when you want more heat.
How to Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 4 strips cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and cooking the beef mixture, then about 30-40 minutes baking the casserole until golden and bubbly. Allow 5 minutes for resting before serving. Total time: around 50-60 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for about 3 minutes until the onions are soft.
2. Mix the Sauce:
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Mix well and cook until everything is heated through.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
4. Bake and Garnish:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped cooked bacon and sliced green onions over the top. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even browning and better texture in the casserole.
Can I Make This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions on medium power.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Casserole?
Definitely! Adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some frozen peas along with the onions is a great way to sneak in extra veggies and boost the flavor.
