Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor? Our Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is your answer! This casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy all the classic tastes of a juicy cheeseburger—savory ground beef, tangy pickles, and melty cheese—crowned with a crispy layer of golden tater tots. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a hungry family or a crowd on game night.
This recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing taste. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this impressive dish in no time. It’s a versatile meal that can be adapted to your family’s preferences, making it a staple in your dinner rotation. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this delicious bake disappears from the table!
Why You\\’ll Love This Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Quick Weeknight Meal: Ideal for busy evenings when you need a satisfying dinner fast.
- Kid-Friendly: The familiar flavors of cheeseburgers and tater tots make it a guaranteed hit with children.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry and fridge staples, making grocery shopping a breeze.
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes in a single dish, simplifying cleanup.
- Customizable: Easily add your favorite burger toppings or extra veggies to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Potlucks: A hearty and transportable dish that’s always a hit at gatherings.
Ingredients You\\’ll Need
Meat Mixture
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots
How to Make Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This forms the creamy, flavorful base for your casserole.
- Spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the cheese and beef mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sauce, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite cheeseburger toppings like chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of extra ketchup or mustard if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfecting Your Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef minimizes the need for draining excess fat, making the process quicker and healthier.
- Don\\’t Overcrowd: Ensure the tater tots are in a single layer for maximum crispiness.
- Cheese Choice: Colby Jack melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy flavor, but feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend.
- Add a Kick: A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice spicy kick to the beef mixture.
- Vegetable Boost: Sauté some finely diced bell peppers or carrots with the ground beef for added nutrients and color.
- Serve with Sides: This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutritional Benefits
This Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, while a comfort food, can still offer some valuable nutrients:
- High in Protein: Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance and growth.
- Energy from Carbohydrates: Tater tots provide complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy.
- Calcium and Dairy: Cheese and milk contribute calcium for bone health and other essential minerals.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Depending on added vegetables, this dish can provide various vitamins and minerals.
- Satisfying and Filling: A hearty meal that helps keep hunger at bay, potentially preventing unhealthy snacking.
Ultimate Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
A hearty and delicious casserole combining the flavors of a cheeseburger with crispy tater tots.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This forms the creamy, flavorful base for your casserole.
- Spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the cheese and beef mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sauce, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite cheeseburger toppings like chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of extra ketchup or mustard if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
