If you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, this Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the delicious twist you didn’t know you needed! Imagine all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots—all baked together in one irresistible dish. It’s comfort food at its best and the perfect way to add some fun (and flavor) to your evening lineup. Trust me, the whole family will be asking for seconds!
If you’re loving the idea of this Cheeseburger Casserole recipe, I’ve got a few more Dinner Recipes that will hit the spot! For a classic take, check out my Tater Tot Casserole—it’s the ultimate comfort food. And for an appetizer or side dish that’s guaranteed to please, try these Loaded Tater Tots—they’re everything you love about loaded fries, but with tots!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It’s a simple recipe that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Family-Friendly: This casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike. The combination of cheeseburger flavors and crispy tater tots is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a family or a group of friends, this casserole is everything you love about a cheeseburger and great for feeding a crowd without a lot of fuss.
You’ve got to try this hamburger Tater Tot Casserole. It’s like biting into a juicy cheeseburger fresh off the grill, but in the form of a cozy casserole. Imagine all those classic cheeseburger flavors you love—savory ground beef, melted cheese, and of course, crispy tater tots—baked together into one delicious dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings all the best parts of a cheeseburger to your dinner table, minus the grilling.
I know you’re always looking for easy weeknight meals, and this one is a total winner. It’s super simple to throw together, and I promise the whole family will devour it. Plus, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but don’t want to fuss with a bunch of different dishes. Just one pan, a few ingredients, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again!
What is Tater Tot Casserole?
Tater Tots Casserole, often affectionately known as a “hot dish” in the Midwest, is a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s been a staple in many homes for generations. Originating in the Midwest, this dish typically combines ground beef, a creamy soup base, vegetables, and of course, a crispy layer of tater tots on top.
It’s the kind of hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that brings people together, whether you’re at a family dinner or a potluck. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility—no two versions are exactly alike, but they all share that signature crispy-on-top, creamy-in-the-middle goodness that makes it so beloved.
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Ingredients You Need
Before you get started on this Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients. Each one adds something special to the dish, so here are a few tips to help you make the most of them:
- Ground Beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend of ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Make sure to drain any excess grease after browning to keep your casserole from getting too greasy.
- Steak Seasoning: This seasoning adds a robust, savory flavor that mimics the taste of a grilled burger. If you don’t have steak seasoning on hand, a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder will do the trick.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce give the ground beef a rich, umami boost. It’s that secret ingredient that adds depth and makes the casserole taste even more like a classic cheeseburger.
- Cream of Onion Soup: This soup adds a creamy, flavorful base to the casserole. If you’re not a fan of onion, you can easily swap it out for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup—both will work just as well.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits take this casserole to the next level. Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crisp before adding it in, or use pre-cooked bacon for a quick shortcut.
- Cheese Slices: Classic American cheese slices melt perfectly into the casserole, giving it that signature cheeseburger flavor. You can also use cheddar or a cheese blend if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Tater Tots: The star of the show! Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole for maximum crispiness. For extra crunch, you can bake the tater tots separately before adding them to the casserole.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this casserole is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Swap the Meat: Change up the flavor by using different types of meat. Try using Beef Taco Meat for a Tex-Mex twist, Sloppy Joe Meat for a sweet and tangy spin, or go for a comforting Chicken Pot Pie Filling for a creamy, hearty alternative.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Different Cheeses: Switch out the American cheese slices for something different. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can bring new flavors to the dish. You could even mix and match cheeses for a more complex, gooey topping.
- Add Pickles: For an authentic cheeseburger experience, consider adding some chopped pickles to the beef mixture before baking or sprinkle them on top just before serving. It adds a tangy crunch that pairs perfectly with the savory ingredients.
These variations make it easy to keep this casserole fresh and exciting, no matter how many times you make it!
How to Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Here’s a quick guide to make this yummy casserole. See the recipe card for a more detailed breakdown.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Start by adding the ground beef to a skillet over medium heat. Cook the beef, breaking it up into crumbles, until it’s fully browned—this should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain and Transfer: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease to keep your casserole from becoming too oily. Transfer the cooked beef to a 9-inch baking dish.
- Mix in Flavor: Stir in the steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and cream of onion soup with the beef in the baking dish. Mix everything together until evenly combined, then spread it out into an even layer.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Sprinkle the bacon pieces evenly across the top of the beef mixture. Then, layer the cheese slices over the bacon and beef, covering the entire dish.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, making sure they cover the entire surface of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake at 425°F for about 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Once it’s done, you’re ready to serve up this comforting, cheesy, and crispy casserole!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Storage: If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through. This makes it a perfect option for prepping ahead of a busy weeknight or for entertaining guests!
Expert Tips:
Crispy Tots: To ensure your tater tots come out crispy, make sure they’re spread in a single layer on top of the casserole. You can also bake the tots separately for about 10-15 minutes before placing them on the casserole for an extra crispy finish.
Even Cooking: Stir the beef mixture well before adding it to the baking dish to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed. This will help the casserole cook more uniformly and taste great in every bite.
Cheese Layer: Place the cheese slices directly on top of the beef mixture before adding the tater tots. This helps the cheese melt evenly and creates a delicious, gooey layer that holds the tots in place.
Customize Your Seasoning: If you like your food with a bit more kick, don’t be afraid to add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a little cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve while allowing the flavors to meld together.
Recipe FAQs
A soggy tater tot casserole is usually caused by excess moisture from the ingredients, like the ground beef or cream soup. To avoid this, make sure to drain any grease from the cooked beef thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. Also, ensure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer on top, as overcrowding can trap steam and prevent them from crisping up properly.
The terms “hotdish” and “casserole” are often used interchangeably, but there are some regional differences. A tater tot hotdish is a term commonly used in the Midwest. You’ll see it particularly in Minnesota, to describe a one-dish meal that includes a starch (like tater tots), meat, and vegetables, all bound together with a creamy sauce or soup. A tater tot casserole is essentially the same dish, but the term “casserole” is more widely used across the United States. Both are hearty, comforting meals that are baked in the oven.
For extra crispiness, consider pre-baking the tater tots on a baking sheet until they start to brown before adding them to the casserole. This extra step ensures the tots stay crunchy even after baking with the casserole.
Yes, you can freeze tater tot casserole! To do so, assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at the usual temperature, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through. This makes it a convenient make-ahead meal for busy nights.
More Easy Casserole Recipes
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning
- dash worcestershire
- 1 (10.5oz) can cream of onion soup
- 4 slices cooked chopped bacon
- 4-6 slices cheddar cheese
- 2-3 cups tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F .
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles, for 3-5 minutes. Drain the grease.
- In a 9-inch baking dish, mix the cooked beef with steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and cream of onion soup. Spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle bacon pieces over the beef mixture, then layer cheese slices on top.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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