Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a fun and tasty twist on two all-time favorites: cheeseburgers and crispy tater tots. This dish combines juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and that golden, crunchy topping of tater tots into one easy-to-make casserole that everyone seems to love. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for when you want a simple meal that feels like a treat.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it’s straightforward but still hits all those tasty spots. You just brown the beef, mix it with some tasty seasonings and cheese, and then bake everything with a layer of tater tots on top. The best part for me is that crispy tater tot layer—it adds the perfect crunch that makes this dish extra special. Plus, it’s really versatile, so I sometimes add extra veggies or switch up the cheese depending on what I have on hand.
When I serve this, I usually keep it casual—just scooping out big portions onto plates and letting everyone top their own with ketchup, mustard, or pickles, just like a real cheeseburger. It’s a great meal for sharing, and I’ve found it always brings smiles to the table. If you’re after a quick dinner that feels like a cozy night in, this casserole is definitely one I’d recommend trying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of the casserole, providing rich flavor and texture. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. Plant-based crumbles work great too for a vegetarian twist.
Tater Tots: These bring the crispy, golden top that everyone loves. If you can’t find tater tots, small frozen potato wedges or hash browns work well as substitutes.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor and melty richness. You can swap with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend if you prefer a milder taste.
Bell Peppers & Onion: These veggies add freshness and a slight crunch. Feel free to add finely chopped mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies that blend well with the beef.
Ketchup, Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce: These bring classic cheeseburger notes to the beef mix. If you want a tangier taste, add a splash of pickle juice or a little hot sauce for some spice.
How Can I Get the Tater Tots Crispy and Golden?
Making sure the tater tots come out crunchy is key for this casserole’s texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven completely before baking to help tots crisp up fast.
- Spread the tots in a single, even layer on top so they cook evenly.
- Bake uncovered to avoid steam softening the tots.
- For extra crispiness, bake the tots alone on a sheet pan for 10 minutes before adding cheese and baking again on the casserole.
- Don’t cover the casserole with foil until the cheese melts to keep tots crispy on top.
Following these tips gives you that perfect crispy top that contrasts nicely with the cheesy, savory ground beef underneath!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and cooking veggies all in one pan.
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – spacious enough to layer your beef mix and tater tots evenly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – great for breaking up the meat and stirring ingredients without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps you get the seasonings and sauces just right.
- Oven mitts – to safely handle the hot casserole dish when taking it out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still tastes great.
- Add diced mushrooms or shredded carrots to the beef mixture for extra veggies and nutrition.
- Try mixing in cooked bacon pieces for a smoky, salty twist.
- Use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for a different cheese flavor and meltiness.
- Stir in a little hot sauce or chili powder if you like your casserole with some heat.
How to Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Topping:
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 35-40 minutes baking time. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Vegetables:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Add the chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the vegetables are soft and the beef is fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Seasonings and Combine:
Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
4. Bake and Finish:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots turn golden and crispy. Then, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions. You can also offer extra ketchup or mustard on the side to add that classic cheeseburger flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Casserole?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or quickly by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging in cold water. Cook it thoroughly to ensure even browning.
Can I Make This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it a few extra minutes to make sure it’s heated through and the tater tots get crispy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the tater tots crispy, or microwave for convenience but expect softer tots.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced mushrooms, shredded carrots, or corn with the beef mixture to boost nutrition and flavor without changing cooking time much.
