Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that screams comfort food, look no further than my cheeseburger tater tot casserole recipe! This delightful creation combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the crispy, golden goodness of tater tots, and trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; I could barely keep it on the table before my kids and their cousins devoured it! It’s not just delicious but also super easy to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend dinner. You’ll love how the melted cheese and savory beef come together with those crispy tots for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bag (32 oz) tater tots
How to Prepare the Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your casserole to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
While the oven is heating up, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef along with the diced onion over medium heat. You’ll want to cook this until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are nice and translucent—about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell of sizzling beef and onion is absolutely mouthwatering!
Once that’s done, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This keeps your casserole from being too greasy and lets those flavors shine. Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion with the shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is beautifully blended; it should be a creamy, cheesy mix that makes you want to dive right in!
Next, spread this delicious mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. Don’t skimp on the greasing; trust me, nobody wants a stuck casserole! Finally, take your frozen tater tots and layer them on top in a single, even layer. This gives you that perfect crispy topping.
Now, pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving, and then dig in! Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously comforting, satisfying every craving for cheeseburgers and tater tots.
- Family-friendly and a great way to get kids involved in cooking.
- One-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatile—add your favorite toppings or ingredients to customize.
- Leftovers taste just as good, making it perfect for meal prep!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cheeseburger tater tot casserole is a hit, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, don’t hesitate to mix in some chopped pickles or a splash of mustard into the beef mixture for that classic burger flavor—trust me, it takes this dish to the next level! If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works beautifully here, too. When baking, make sure your tater tots are in a single layer for that perfect crunch; nobody wants soggy tots! And if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some bacon bits or jalapeños on top just before baking for an extra kick. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for my cheeseburger tater tot casserole recipe. Each serving packs about 450 calories, making it a hearty meal! You’ll find around 25 grams of fat, with 10 grams being saturated fat. It also contains 22 grams of protein, which is fantastic for keeping you satisfied. On the carb front, expect about 36 grams per serving, along with 3 grams of fiber. Just a heads-up, it does have about 800 mg of sodium, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your salt intake. Enjoy this delicious comfort food while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. It’s a great option if you have some on hand, and it works perfectly in this cheeseburger tater tot casserole recipe!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some spinach can be mixed into the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready for a delicious second helping!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cheeseburger tater tot casserole fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn! When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, but the oven gives you that lovely crispiness on the tater tots. Enjoy every bite!
Variations on the Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
There are endless possibilities to make this cheeseburger tater tot casserole your own! For a spicy twist, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the ground beef for some cooked chorizo or shredded chicken for a different flavor profile. You can also change up the cheese—pepper jack adds an exciting kick, or go for a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for that stretchy, gooey goodness.
Feeling veggie-forward? Toss in some chopped bell peppers, corn, or even spinach for added color and nutrition. And don’t forget about the toppings! Try adding crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of ranch dressing once it’s out of the oven. The sky’s the limit—have fun with it!
Print
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for Comfort Bliss
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious cheeseburger tater tot casserole that combines ground beef, cheese, and crispy tater tots.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bag (32 oz) tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion until cooked.
- Drain excess grease from the beef.
- In a large bowl, mix the beef, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish.
- Top with tater tots in a single layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden brown.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add pickles or mustard to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheeseburger tater tot casserole recipe
