Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is one of those comfort food classics that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. It’s packed with juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots all baked together into one easy and tasty dish. The combination of flavors is simple but so satisfying, with a touch of ketchup and mustard flavors that remind you of a cheeseburger dinner night.
I love making this casserole when I want something that feels like a treat but doesn’t take a lot of time or effort. The tater tots get perfectly golden and crunchy on top, while underneath you have the cheesy, beefy goodness that everyone loves. It’s definitely one of those recipes that’s a big hit with kids and adults alike, and I always find myself going back for seconds.
My favorite way to serve this is with a fresh side salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the richness. I also enjoy dipping bites in a little extra ketchup or even some pickles on the side for that true cheeseburger vibe. Whenever I make this, it feels like an easy weeknight dinner, but with all the fun of a cookout cooked right in my oven.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the heart of the dish, bringing that classic cheeseburger flavor. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or even plant-based crumbles to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Condensed soup: Cream of mushroom adds creaminess and depth. If you want a lighter option, try cream of celery or use a homemade mushroom soup for extra flavor.
Tater tots: These give the casserole its crispy top. If unavailable, use frozen hash browns or diced roasted potatoes as an alternative.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds tang. You can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for a little kick.
Ketchup and mustard: These add that familiar cheeseburger tang in the filling. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste or swap mustard for Dijon or yellow mustard depending on preference.
How Do I Get Crispy and Evenly Cooked Tater Tots on Top?
Getting crispy tater tots on top is key to this casserole’s appeal. Here’s how to nail it:
- Arrange tots in a single, neat layer so they cook evenly and don’t steam each other.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F before baking—hot oven = crispy tots.
- Don’t cover the casserole while baking; exposing the tater tots to the oven air helps them brown.
- Check the tots at around 30 minutes; if they’re not crispy enough, slide the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- For extra crispiness, you can toss the tots lightly in a bit of oil before layering.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing veggies all in one pan.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – roomy enough for layering the beef and tater tots evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – handy for stirring the beef mixture without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ketchup, mustard, and cheese amounts just right.
- Oven mitts – for safely handling the hot baking dish when it comes out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter casserole.
- Add diced pickles or pickle relish into the beef mixture for an extra tangy cheeseburger taste.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or cooked bacon for richer flavors.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a little spicy kick.
How to Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (optional, red or green)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped pickles or pickle relish for serving
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or dried onion flakes
Time Needed
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 30-35 minutes to bake, so you can have a tasty dinner ready in under an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat. Then, add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Mix in Sauces and Season:
Stir in the can of condensed soup, ketchup, and mustard into the beef mixture. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Spread this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
3. Layer Tater Tots and Cheese:
Arrange the frozen tater tots neatly in rows over the beef mixture, covering it completely. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots.
4. Bake and Finish:
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbly. Carefully remove it from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Let the cheese melt for a few minutes before serving.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Optionally, garnish your casserole with chopped parsley or dried onion flakes. Serve warm, with chopped pickles or pickle relish and extra ketchup on the side if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Casserole?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the ground beef before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven browning and a soggy texture.
Can I Prepare Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the tater tots crispy, or microwave if you’re short on time.
Can I Replace Tater Tots with Something Else?
Sure! Use frozen hash browns, cubed roasted potatoes, or even French fries as a substitute for tater tots. Just adjust baking time as needed to ensure they get crispy and cooked through.