Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

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This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a one-skillet dinner combining everyone's favorite burger flavors. A quick and easy meal for weeknights that the whole family will love.

skillet casserole garnished with pickles and scallions.

I love turning to my pantry and freezer to pull together quick yet delicious meals. This cheeseburger casserole comes together with a handful of pantry staples and frozen tater tots.

For more cheeseburger-inspired recipes, try Cheeseburger Salad and Cheeseburger Slider casserole.

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Why you will love this recipe

No need to shape and cook individual burgers. This casserole is loaded with the cheeseburger flavors the whole family will love.
Enjoy your burger and fries in one dish! Tater tots top off this cheesy casserole for the perfect all-in-one bite.
One skillet meal - Preparation and clean-up is easy and who doesn't love that at dinner time! I love serving this casserole family-style right from the skillet.
So quick and easy. This dish is as easy as browning the meat, stirring in the sauce ingredients, topping with tots, and baking. Voila! Dinner is served!

Ingredients

Ground beef brings the classic burger vibe. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also be used.
Cheese - Shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack is my favorite combo. American and Pepper Jack are also great options. Be sure to use a good melting cheese.
Tater tots - These frozen potatoes are convenient and bake up crispy.
Seasonings - Onion, ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire round out the flavors.

Step-by-step instructions

See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the ground beef and diced onion. Sauté until the beef is no longer pink, crumbling the meat as it cooks. Drain the excess fat.
Add the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

cooking beef and adding sauce ingredients.

Stir to combine.
Layer half of the cheese over the meat mixture.

beef and sauce mixed together then topped with cheese.

Arrange tater tots (I use Ore Ida Crispy Crowns) over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until tater tots are brown and crisp.
Top with the remaining cheese.

beef mixture topped with tater tots then topped with cheese.

Bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.. Garnish with pickles and chopped scallions.

Storing and reheating

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.

Recipe tips

Grate your own cheese fresh from a block for optimal melting.
Drain the excess fat from the meat before adding the sauce ingredients. This prevents the dish from being greasy and too heavy.

spoonful of casserole with skillet in the background.

Faq's

What goes with cheeseburger casserole?

This casserole is pretty hearty by itself, so I like to round out the meal with a salad. Try a garden salad or a classic wedge salad. Broccoli and cauliflower salad and creamy coleslaw are also delicious options.

What's another name for tater tot casserole?

Casseroles in general are referred to as Hotdish in the Midwest. Hotdish is very popular in upper Midwest regions, particularly Minnesota. Hotdish generally refers to a one-dish comfort-food style meal.

Equipment

Shallow casserole or skillet | Measuring cups and spoons | Grater

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This post was originally published in January 2019 and has been updated.