Description
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole with ground beef, cheese, and crispy tater tots. Quick, comforting, and perfect for a crowd!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package frozen tater tots
- ½ cup dill pickle chips (optional)
- ¼ cup bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Gather all ingredients before beginning to ensure smooth preparation of your **Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole**. This initial organization will make the assembly process much more efficient.
- Step 2: Brown the Beef Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary, leaving just enough to keep the mixture moist.
- Step 3: Season the Meat Mixture Return the skillet to medium heat and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and ketchup. These ingredients will transform the beef into that classic cheeseburger flavor profile. Season with salt and pepper, then let simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed—this is your flavor foundation.
- Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef layer. If using pickle chips and bacon bits, scatter them over the cheese layer now. These additions provide authentic cheeseburger notes to your casserole. Arrange the frozen tater tots in neat rows on top, covering the entire surface. This methodical arrangement ensures even cooking and a satisfying presentation.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return to the oven until melted. Watch carefully during this final stage to prevent the cheese from browning too much.
- Step 6: Finish and Serve Remove your **Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole** from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial for the layers to set slightly. Garnish with additional toppings like sliced green onions, a drizzle of burger sauce, or extra pickle chips if desired. Serve hot, scooping down through all the delicious layers to ensure each portion has the perfect ratio of crispy tots, melted cheese, and savory beef.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg