Easy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

tater totsThe aroma of sizzling beef and melting cheese wafts through the air as you prepare to dive into a plate of Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole. Picture this: crispy tater tots blanket a luscious layer of seasoned ground beef, all drizzled in gooey cheese that stretches like a dream when you scoop it out. It’s a dish that promises to tickle your taste buds and warm your heart.

This delightful casserole brings back memories of cozy family nights spent gathered around the table, laughter echoing off the walls while we devoured this cheesy creation. Perfect for game day or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to become a staple in your home. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

Sharing this casserole at my last family gathering led to some serious smiles—and one enthusiastic family member even asked for second helpings!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without losing flavor; browning brings out its savory goodness.
• Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are perfect here; they cook up crispy and golden for that delightful crunch.
• Shredded Cheese: Choose your favorite cheese—cheddar melts beautifully but feel free to mix it up!
• Ketchup: A classic burger condiment that adds sweetness and depth; don’t skip it!
• Mustard: Adds tanginess; yellow mustard works well but feel free to experiment with others.
• Onion Powder: This spice adds flavor without the hassle of chopping onions; it’s a time-saver!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your casserole.
• Optional Toppings: Chopped pickles or fresh parsley add a nice touch of freshness once out of the oven.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you gather your ingredients. Grab a large skillet over medium heat and cook about 1 pound of ground beef until browned and juicy. Drain excess fat if needed.

While the beef cooks, prepare a baking dish by spraying it lightly with nonstick spray—this ensures nothing sticks! Once the beef is ready, stir in ketchup, mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is mixed well.

Now comes the fun part! Pour the seasoned beef mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Layer those glorious frozen tater tots on top like you’re creating a crispy blanket—feel free to get creative with how you arrange them!

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the tater tots because more cheese equals more happiness! Pop this masterpiece into the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until everything is bubbling hot and golden brown.

As soon as you pull it out of the oven, let it cool slightly before garnishing with optional toppings like chopped pickles or parsley for added flair. Serve warm with extra ketchup on hand for dipping—everyone loves dunking their bites!

With each bite of this Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole bursting with flavor and crunch, you’ll want to make it again and again. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef with onions and seasoning, then layer the tater tots and cheese on top. Bake until golden brown for the best flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or add your favorite veggies like bell peppers. Spice it up with jalapeños for a kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, keeping that crispy texture intact.

Creating this casserole reminds me of my childhood, where family dinners were filled with laughter, messy faces, and cheesy goodness that brought everyone together.

FAQ

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes, but they won’t have the same crispy texture as frozen tater tots.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese adds great flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack!

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Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a deliciously cheesy, hearty dish that layers seasoned ground beef with crispy tater tots—ideal for family dinners or game nights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 bag frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped pickles, fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in ketchup, mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the beef mixture in a greased baking dish and layer tater tots on top.
5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before garnishing with optional toppings and serve warm.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 203g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For added texture, swap ground beef for turkey or add bell peppers. Spice it up by incorporating jalapeños into the beef mixture.