Hearty Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Oh, friends, get ready for a dish that’s pure comfort in a pan! This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table smile. It’s like giving your favorite burger and fries a warm, cozy hug. I remember my uncle’s Texas restaurant, the smells, the buzz. He taught me food is about bringing folks together. This casserole totally captures that spirit. It’s a simple idea, really: all the deliciousness of a classic cheeseburger, layered with savory goodness, and topped with those irresistible crispy tater tots. It’s a guaranteed hit, perfect for any night you need a little extra warmth.

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:

• It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal.
• You get all the amazing flavors of a cheeseburger and fries.
• It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food favorite.
• Kids and adults alike adore this hearty bake.

My love for cooking really took root in my uncle’s Texas restaurant. As a kid, I was mesmerized by the energy, the aromas, and how he made people happy with food. He showed me that cooking is more than just following steps; it’s about passion and connection. That spark grew as I started cooking myself. There were some funny kitchen mishaps along the way, for sure! But each dish taught me something new. This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole reminds me of those early days. It’s about simple ingredients coming together to create something special. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel good, just like sharing a meal with family.

Now for the fun part – gathering everything we need to make this amazing Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole! The beauty of this dish is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have or can easily find. I always say the best meals start with good components. We’re aiming for that classic burger taste, so think fresh, savory, and cheesy. You’ll be surprised how these humble pantry staples transform into something truly special. Let’s get our kitchen ready for some delicious magic!

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen tater tots

Alright, let’s get this amazing Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole into the oven! It’s really quite simple, and I’ll walk you through every step. My goal is always to make cooking enjoyable, not stressful. Think of this as a fun little kitchen adventure. We’re building layers of flavor here, starting with that savory beef and ending with perfectly crispy tots. You’ve got this!

1. First things first, let’s get that oven preheating. Set it to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grab a big skillet. Cook your ground beef, chopped onion, and green bell pepper over medium-high heat. Keep stirring until the beef is nicely browned and the veggies are tender.
3. Carefully drain off any extra grease. We want flavor, not greasiness!
4. Now, stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix.
5. Pour in the condensed tomato soup and the milk. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
6. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat a bit and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then.
7. Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of that shredded cheddar cheese until it melts in.
8. Pour this yummy beef mixture into your 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
9. Arrange the frozen tater tots all over the top. Try to cover the whole surface for maximum crispiness.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown, crispy tots and bubbly goodness.
11. During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tots. It’ll get all melty and delicious.
12. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything settle.

Now that we’ve got the basics down for our fantastic Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, let’s talk about making it truly spectacular! It’s the little touches that often make a good dish great. I love playing around in the kitchen, and this recipe is a perfect canvas for creativity. We’ll make sure every bite is just right.

• Make sure your tater tots are spread out evenly. This helps them get super crispy all over.
• Don’t cram too much beef into the skillet when browning. Give it space so it sears nicely.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning before adding the cheese. Your preferences matter most!
• A little extra cheese on top never hurt anyone, right?
• Letting it rest before serving makes a big difference. It lets the flavors meld.

• Want that classic burger zing? Stir in a tablespoon of ketchup and mustard with the soup.
• For a real treat, stir in some finely chopped dill pickles or crispy bacon bits after baking.
• Love a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the beef mixture adds a nice kick.
• Swap out the cheddar for a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
• Add some corn or peas to the beef mixture for extra veggies.

Got a question about this amazing Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole? I’m happy to help! It’s always good to know a few extra things so your dish turns out perfectly. I’ve answered some common questions here to make your cooking journey even smoother. Let’s dive in!

Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While cheddar is fantastic, feel free to try Monterey Jack, a Colby blend, or even some pepper jack for a little heat. Just make sure it melts well.

What can I serve with this casserole? This is a hearty meal on its own, but a simple side salad or some steamed broccoli makes a great addition. Some folks even love a bit of extra ketchup or mustard for dipping!

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover tater tot casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole (before baking) and cover it tightly. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Please remember that the nutritional information provided for this delicious Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is an estimate. Values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Enjoy this hearty meal!

I absolutely adore hearing about your cooking adventures! Did you make this Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole? How did it turn out for your family? Please share your thoughts, tips, or any fun variations you tried in the comments below. Your feedback means the world to me!

Hearty Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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• Author: Alexander Knight
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and delicious one-pan meal that brings all the flavors of your favorite burger and fries into a comforting casserole. It’s perfect for a family dinner and sure to be a hit with everyone.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen tater tots

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the condensed tomato soup and milk to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly.
10. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
11. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• For an extra burger flavor, you can add a tablespoon of ketchup and mustard to the beef mixture.
• Feel free to add other burger toppings like pickles or bacon bits after baking.
• If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg