Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to assemble with everyday ingredients.
Kid-approved and perfect for busy weeknights.
Comforting, cheesy, and crave-worthy.
Great for feeding a crowd or bringing to potlucks.
Leftovers reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced (optional)
Salt and pepper
Worcestershire sauce
Ketchup or burger sauce
Cream of mushroom soup or cream of cheddar soup
Shredded cheddar cheese
Tater tots
Optional mix-ins: mustard, diced pickles, cooked bacon pieces

Directions

Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease.
Add garlic (if using), Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Mix in the cream of mushroom (or cheddar) soup to create a creamy beef mixture.
Transfer the beef mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
Arrange tater tots in a single, even layer on top.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 6 servings
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~30–40 minutes
Total time: ~40–50 minutes

Variations

Bacon Cheeseburger: Add cooked bacon pieces to the beef mixture.
Deluxe Version: Stir in diced pickles, a bit of mustard, or chopped tomatoes for classic burger flavors.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
Veggie Add-in: Mix in peas, corn, or diced bell peppers.
Cheese Lover’s: Add extra cheddar or a blend such as Colby Jack.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- In the oven at 175 °C (350 °F) until heated through.
- In the microwave in 1-minute increments until warm.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, cream of cheddar, cream of onion, or cream of chicken all work well.

Do I need to cook the tater tots first?

No, they bake and crisp directly in the oven.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it and refrigerate up to a day in advance before baking.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely—peas, mixed veggies, or corn mix easily into the beef.

What cheese melts best for this recipe?

Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a blend also work great.

Can I make it lighter?

Use lean ground beef, reduced-fat soup, and a lighter layer of cheese. Can I substitute ground turkey?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef.

How do I keep the tater tots extra crispy?

Bake uncovered and avoid adding too much liquid to the beef mixture.

Can I add toppings after baking?

Yes—diced pickles, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of burger sauce are great additions.

Can this be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, but the tater tots won’t get as crispy. For slow cookers, broil the top at the end if possible.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole brings together everything you love about a classic cheeseburger in a warm, cheesy, bubbly bake topped with irresistibly crispy tater tots. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for both busy nights and cozy family dinners. Enjoy this comfort food classic any time you need a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal.

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

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A cozy, family-friendly casserole combining seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots for an irresistible cheeseburger-inspired comfort dish.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 40–50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Casserole
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess grease.
Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Mix in the cream of mushroom or cheddar soup until creamy.
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Arrange tater tots in a single, even layer on top.
Bake for 30–40 minutes until tots are golden and casserole is bubbling.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger twist.
Stir in mustard or diced pickles for extra burger flavor.
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers can be mixed in for extra veggies.
Broil for the last 2 minutes for extra crispy tater tots.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 580
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 940 mg
Fat: 34 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg