If you’re on the lookout for a meal that combines comfort and convenience, then the Crispy Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole should be at the top of your list. This dish brings together the savory flavors of a cheeseburger and the crispy, golden perfection of tater tots to create a satisfying, family-friendly casserole that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal, this casserole is as easy as it is delicious. It’s packed with rich beefy goodness, creamy cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots all baked to perfection. Plus, it’s a great dish to feed a crowd!

What Is Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole?

At its core, Crispy Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole is a simple yet hearty dish made with ground beef, onions, garlic, cheddar cheese soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen tater tots. It’s a casserole-style take on the classic cheeseburger but without the buns, making it even easier to prepare and serve.

The rich, cheesy base made from the beef mixture is topped with crispy tater tots, creating a texture contrast that adds to the casserole’s irresistible appeal. Once it’s baked, a final layer of melted cheddar cheese brings everything together for the ultimate cheesy, comforting bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights.
Comfort Food at Its Best: It combines all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with the crispy, golden crunch of tater tots.
Family-Friendly: This casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning to fit your taste or add extra ingredients like bacon, mushrooms, or veggies for added flair.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients for Crispy Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots

This combination of ingredients creates a flavor-packed casserole that is savory, cheesy, and comforting. The tater tots add a crispy, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy beef mixture underneath.

Step-by-Step Directions for Making Crispy Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and that the tater tots will get that perfect golden-brown crispiness. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika for flavor. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Combine the Mixture

Next, transfer the cooked beef mixture to a large bowl. Add the cheddar cheese soup and milk, stirring until everything is well combined and creamy. This forms the base of your casserole. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 4: Add the Tater Tots

Now, grab your frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. The tater tots should cover the entire surface, creating a crisp, golden topping once baked.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. You’ll want to make sure the tater tots are fully cooked and crispy before moving to the next step.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Once the casserole is baked and the tater tots are crispy, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Once everything is baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, scoop out generous portions of this hearty casserole and serve with your favorite side dishes. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or even a side of coleslaw for that perfect comfort meal.

Tips for the Perfect Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole

Add Bacon: If you’re a bacon lover, crumble some cooked bacon over the top of the casserole before baking for an added burst of flavor.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with a meat alternative or more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to make a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole.
Customize with Toppings: You can top your casserole with shredded lettuce, tomato, or even a drizzle of mustard or ketchup for that true cheeseburger experience.

Why Is This Casserole Such a Hit?

This crispy tater tot cheeseburger casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It combines everything we love about cheeseburgers – the savory beef, the melty cheese, and the crispy potato tots – all in one dish. The beauty of this casserole is in its simplicity. It’s quick to prepare, requires very little hands-on time, and is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.

Plus, this recipe makes great leftovers. The flavors meld even better the next day, making it the perfect dish to enjoy for lunch or dinner the following day.

FAQs About Crispy Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. Simply assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to cook, just bake it as directed, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. After baking and cooling, cut it into portions, then wrap each one tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

3. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese would also be great options to add some variety. For a sharper flavor, try using aged cheddar or even a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 80mg

This casserole is a balanced dish that offers a satisfying amount of protein from the ground beef and cheese, while the tater tots provide the perfect amount of carbs to keep you full. The combination of flavors and textures makes this a great meal that everyone will enjoy.

Conclusion

Incorporating the best flavors of a cheeseburger with the crunch of crispy tater tots, Crispy Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it out, and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, savory, and oh-so-comforting dish!

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:

Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Crispy Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole – Ultimate Comfort Food!

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and delicious casserole combining all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with crispy tater tots. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make dish is loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese soup, and topped with golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with the cheddar cheese soup and milk. Stir until well combined.
Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot, and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to customize by adding cooked bacon or vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
For an extra crispy topping, increase the baking time for the tater tots by 5 minutes.
You can prep the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: tater tot casserole, cheeseburger casserole, family-friendly casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, ground beef casserole, tater tot bake