Chef Emma here, and I’m about to share the recipe that turned my pickiest eater into a clean-plate member overnight.
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the comfort of a cheeseburger with the crispy goodness of tater tots, this cheeseburger tater tot casserole is your answer. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings two family favorites together in one gloriously cheesy dish.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
This hamburger casserole was born out of pure necessity on a particularly hectic Wednesday evening. I had ground beef thawed, a bag of frozen tater tots, and a family asking “what’s for dinner?” every ten minutes.
What I created that night has become our most-requested dinner recipe—and for good reason. It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger and crispy fries, baked into one bubbling, golden-brown casserole that requires just one dish.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can prep it ahead, customize it with your family’s favorite burger toppings, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Kids absolutely love it because, let’s be honest, what’s not to love about cheese, beef, and tater tots all in one bite? Adults appreciate how easy it is to throw together and how it feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
This is comfort food at its finest—the kind of beef recipe that makes everyone gather around the table with genuine excitement. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers after sports practice, hosting a casual potluck, or just need a reliable weeknight winner, this casserole delivers every single time.
For more inspiration on easy casserole dinners that busy families love, check out Taste of Home’s collection of classic casserole recipes, or explore All Things Mamma’s guide to simple one-pan family dinners.
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (Family Favorite)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook 7-8 minutes until browned, breaking up meat. Drain excess grease, leaving 1 tablespoon.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to beef. Stir and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Push beef to sides of skillet. Add butter to center and let melt. Sprinkle flour over butter and stir to create roux. Cook 1 minute, then gradually whisk in milk. Stir until sauce thickens, 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese, sour cream, ketchup, and mustard. Mix until cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Spread beef mixture evenly in prepared baking dish. Arrange frozen tater tots in single layer on top, covering entire surface.
- Bake uncovered 35 minutes until edges bubble and tots are golden. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese on top. Bake 5 more minutes until cheese melts.
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
520 PROTEIN:
28g RECIPEYIELD:
8 servings
Summary
This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots into one irresistible family-friendly dinner.
With layers of savory hamburger meat, creamy sauce, and golden-brown tots, it’s a complete meal that’s ready in under an hour. This is one of those casserole recipes that becomes a permanent part of your dinner rotation.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Equipment
You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to make this delicious casserole:
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Standard casserole dish works perfectly
- Large skillet – For browning the beef and making the sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and breaking up meat
- Cheese grater – If shredding cheese from a block
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements
- Mixing bowl – For combining ingredients
- Aluminum foil – Optional, for covering during baking
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (90/10 recommended) – The hearty base of this hamburger recipe
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes all the difference
- 1 teaspoon salt – Plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is best
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds extra onion flavor
- 2 tablespoons butter – For making the creamy sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce
- 1½ cups whole milk – Creates creaminess
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Divided for maximum cheesiness
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds tang and richness
- ¼ cup ketchup – Classic cheeseburger flavor
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard – For authentic burger taste
- 32 oz frozen tater tots – One full bag, kept frozen
Optional Toppings & Mix-ins
- Diced pickles or pickle relish
- Crumbled cooked turkey or beef (no pork/bacon)
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce (add after baking)
- Extra cheese
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Special sauce or Thousand Island dressing drizzle
Directions for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with your wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the beef.
Stir well and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds incredible flavor into your hamburger meat recipe.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Push the beef mixture to the sides of the skillet, creating a well in the center.
Add the butter and let it melt. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and stir to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in the milk. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Flavor
Remove the skillet from heat.
Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, ketchup, and mustard. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Layer the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire surface. Don’t thaw the tots—use them straight from the freezer for maximum crispiness.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the tater tots are golden.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
See Also in NUTRIENTSRECIPES.COM: Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (Family Favorite!)
Tips and Variations
Chef Emma’s Pro Tips
- Don’t skip draining the beef: Even lean ground beef releases fat. Draining ensures your casserole isn’t greasy.
- Use frozen tater tots: Never thaw them first! Frozen tots get crispier and maintain their shape better during baking.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Double for a crowd: This recipe doubles beautifully. Use two 9×13 pans or one large roasting pan.
- Freeze for later: Assemble in a disposable pan, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 20-25 minutes to cooking time.
- Crispy tots guaranteed: For extra-crispy tater tots, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking (watch carefully!).
Delicious Variations for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Loaded Cheeseburger Style: Add diced pickles and drizzle with special sauce before serving
- Western Cheeseburger: Mix in BBQ sauce instead of ketchup and add diced onion rings on top
- Mushroom Swiss Version: Skip the cheddar and use Swiss cheese, add sautéed mushrooms to the beef layer
- Spicy Southwest: Add taco seasoning to the beef, use Mexican cheese blend, and top with jalapeños
- Pizza Burger Casserole: Add Italian seasoning and top with mozzarella and pepperoni slices (no pork alternative available)
- Veggie-Loaded: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn to the beef mixture for extra nutrition
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole recipe is a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:
- Simple garden salad with ranch dressing
- Crispy coleslaw
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers
- Corn on the cob
- Fresh fruit salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Storage Instructions for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Refrigerator: Store covered in the baking dish or transfer to an airtight container. Keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. For the full casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the tater tots.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Total Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Calcium | 280mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Nutrition information is approximate and based on 8 servings. Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and toppings used.
Nutritional Highlights
This cheeseburger tater tot casserole provides a solid 28 grams of protein per serving, making it filling and satisfying for active families.
The ground beef delivers essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins that growing kids need. The cheese adds calcium for strong bones and teeth.
While this is definitely a comfort food dish, you can lighten it up by using 93% lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, and adding extra vegetables to the beef layer. The casserole also provides energy from the carbohydrates in the tater tots, perfect for refueling after busy days.
Dietitian Tips
- Reduce fat: Use 93% lean ground beef and reduce cheese to 2 cups total, or use reduced-fat cheese
- Boost nutrition: Add finely diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the beef mixture—kids won’t notice them mixed in!
- Lower sodium: Make your own seasoning blend without salt, use low-sodium broth instead of milk, and reduce added salt
- Increase fiber: Serve with a large side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal
- Portion control: Pair a smaller portion of casserole with lots of fresh veggies and salad
- Healthier swap: Use sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots for added vitamins and fiber
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work wonderfully in this recipe.
They’re leaner options that still deliver great flavor. Season a bit more generously since they’re milder than beef, and make sure to cook them thoroughly until no pink remains.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
No! Always use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer.
Thawed tater tots will become mushy during baking. Frozen tots crisp up beautifully and hold their shape, giving you that perfect golden-brown top layer everyone loves.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then add 10 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute that adds protein and works just as well in this recipe.
You can also use plain cream cheese (softened) or even cottage cheese blended smooth. Each will give you that creamy, tangy element the casserole needs.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the edges are bubbling, the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The cheese on top should be melted and starting to turn golden. If the tots aren’t crispy enough, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! This casserole is very flexible.
Add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or corn to the beef mixture. You can also sneak in finely diced carrots or zucchini—they’ll blend right in and kids won’t notice. Just make sure to cook any vegetables that release water before adding them.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is everything a family dinner should be—easy, delicious, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
It takes two beloved comfort foods and combines them into one incredible dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
What I love most about this recipe is how it brings my family together at the dinner table. There’s something special about serving a big, bubbling casserole that makes mealtime feel cozy and communal.
Plus, with only one dish to clean, you can actually enjoy dinner with your family instead of being stuck at the sink afterward.
This hamburger recipe has saved me on countless busy weeknights, and it’s flexible enough to customize based on what your family loves. Add pickles for the burger purists, load it up with veggies for extra nutrition, or keep it simple and classic—it’s delicious every way.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a potluck, meal prepping for the week, or just need a reliable dinner that everyone will eat without complaint, this casserole delivers. Make it once, and I guarantee it’ll become a permanent fixture in your dinner rotation.
So preheat that oven, grab your ground beef and tater tots, and get ready to create the ultimate comfort food dinner. Your family is going to love you for this one!
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