Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up you didn’t know you needed! Imagine the savory goodness of a cheeseburger layered with crispy tater tots and melty cheese in one bite. This crowd-pleasing casserole is a weeknight dinner dream: hearty, cheesy, kid-friendly, and incredibly simple to whip up. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a potluck, this dish delivers on taste and convenience. With just a few pantry staples and less than an hour from start to finish, it’s destined to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole has everything going for it: savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy condiments, and a cheesy base topped with golden tater tots. The blend of ketchup and mustard gives it that classic cheeseburger zing, while cheddar cheese soup adds a creamy richness. It’s satisfying, customizable, and freezer-friendly, making it perfect for busy nights or indulgent weekend dinners. Plus, kids adore it and grown-ups keep coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)

• 1 sweet onion, finely diced

• 6 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled

• 1 tbsp hamburger seasoning (e.g., McCormick Grill Mates)

• 2/3 cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 can cheddar cheese soup (10.5 oz)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish with non-stick spray.

2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until meat is cooked through.

3. Add Flavor: Stir in the crumbled bacon, ketchup, mustard, cheddar cheese soup, and hamburger seasoning. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared casserole dish. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Top with Tots: Evenly layer frozen tater tots over the beef and cheese mixture.

6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the tots are crispy and golden.

7. Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top and return to oven for another 3-5 minutes until melted.

Helpful Tips

• Keep it Crispy: Always bake uncovered for the crunchiest tater tot topping.

• Line the Dish: For easy cleanup, line your casserole dish with foil before spraying.

• Bacon Hack: Use microwaveable bacon to save time.

• Cheese Upgrade: Shred your own cheddar for best melting and flavor.

• Perfect Tot Placement: Get fancy by alternating tot rows, or go rustic and toss them on casually.

Substitutions and Variations

• Ground Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.

• Soup Base: Use cream of mushroom or cream of bacon soup for a different twist.

• Cheese Varieties: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique flavor.

• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based crumbles and omit bacon.

• Extra Veggies: Mix in diced pickles, tomatoes, or even chopped spinach.

Storage Instructions

Keep any leftovers in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. This dish also freezes well: cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 547 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 41g

• Protein: 26g

• Fat: 31g

• Saturated Fat: 13g

• Cholesterol: 84mg

• Sodium: 1079mg

• Potassium: 749mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 9g

• Vitamin A: 581 IU

• Vitamin C: 11mg

• Calcium: 295mg

• Iron: 3mg

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

• Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted veggies for added nutrition.

• Top with burger favorites: chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.

• Great alongside a glass of cold iced tea or a light beer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the meat mixture and layer the casserole. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add tater tots just before baking for best texture.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots? It’s not recommended as tater tots provide a unique crispy texture that’s hard to replicate with fresh potatoes.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free? Check your soup, seasoning, and condiments for gluten-free labels. Use certified gluten-free tater tots and ingredients.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd? Absolutely. Just use a larger casserole dish or two 9×13-inch pans and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese soup? Substitute with cream of mushroom or make a simple cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing a love for comfort food with me. This Easy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful blend of hearty flavors and textures that your whole family will adore. It’s simple to prepare, packed with savory goodness, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re new to casseroles or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking—I’m so glad you’re part of this food-loving community!

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Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

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• Author: lisa
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole combines all your favorite burger flavors in a warm, cheesy, and crunchy baked dish. It’s quick to prep, family-approved, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)

1 sweet onion, finely diced

6 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled

1 tbsp hamburger seasoning (e.g., McCormick Grill Mates)

2/3 cup ketchup

2 tbsp yellow mustard

1 can cheddar cheese soup (10.5 oz)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

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Instructions

• Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish with non-stick spray.

• Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until meat is cooked through.

• Add Flavor: Stir in the crumbled bacon, ketchup, mustard, cheddar cheese soup, and hamburger seasoning. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

• Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared casserole dish. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

• Top with Tots: Evenly layer frozen tater tots over the beef and cheese mixture.

• Bake: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the tots are crispy and golden.

• Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top and return to oven for another 3-5 minutes until melted.

Notes

Use microwave bacon for quick prep.

Make ahead up to 1 day; add tots before baking.

Swap in ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a twist.

Freezes well—wrap tightly and store up to 2 months.

Use microwave bacon for quick prep.

Make ahead up to 1 day; add tots before baking.

Swap in ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a twist.

Freezes well—wrap tightly and store up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 547 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Protein: 26g