Create One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta in Just 30 Minutes!

Introducing the ultimate one-pan wonder – the One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta! This flavor-packed dish combines the irresistible flavors of a cheeseburger with the comfort of a hearty pasta bake. Loaded with ground beef, diced tomatoes, a blend of gooey cheeses, and crowned with crispy tater tots, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Say goodbye to tedious cleanup and hello to a delicious and hassle-free family dinner!

Table of Contents

Ingredients for One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 mix)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups uncooked short pasta (rotini or penne)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped pickles

How to Make One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta

One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta is a simple and satisfying dish that comes together in just a few easy steps.

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Add the Pasta and Sauces

Stir in the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, tomato paste, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer the Pasta

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Add the Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they are melted and well combined.

Top with Tater Tots

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the pasta mixture.

Bake to Perfection

Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped pickles before serving.

Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta

To ensure your One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Cook the Ground Beef Properly: Make sure to break up the ground beef as it cooks to achieve a nice, crumbly texture that evenly distributes throughout the dish.
• Achieve the Perfect Cheese Melt: Removing the skillet from the heat before adding the shredded cheeses helps prevent them from overcooking and becoming stringy.
• Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, sauces, or even adding your favorite burger toppings like bacon or pickled jalapeños.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions for One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta

While the classic One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta is a winner, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish to suit your tastes:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free short pasta in place of the traditional wheat-based variety.
• Cheese Substitutions: Mix and match different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Colby, to create your own unique cheese blend.
• Alternative Sauces: Try swapping the ketchup and mustard for BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Loaded Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake
• Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots
• Crunchy BBQ Pulled Pork Tater Tots
• Loaded Buffalo Mac & Cheese Nuggets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can tater tots be cooked in a skillet?

Yes, tater tots can absolutely be cooked in a skillet. In this One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta recipe, the tater tots are arranged in a single layer on top of the pasta mixture and baked in the oven until golden brown and crispy.

How did cheeseburger tater tot casserole originate?

The origins of the cheeseburger tater tot casserole can be traced back to the classic American comfort food dishes. By combining the flavors of a cheeseburger with the convenience of a one-pan pasta bake and the crispy texture of tater tots, this recipe has become a beloved family-friendly meal.

Do you drain hamburger for tater tot casserole?

Yes, it’s generally recommended to drain the excess fat from the cooked ground beef before proceeding with the rest of the recipe. This helps prevent the dish from becoming overly greasy or heavy. In the One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta, the ground beef is cooked and drained before the other ingredients are added.

What kind of cheese goes in tater tot casserole?

For the perfect cheeseburger-inspired flavor, this One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta features a blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The combination of these two melty, creamy cheeses complements the other ingredients beautifully and creates a deliciously gooey topping.

Conclusion

The One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings the classic flavors of a cheeseburger together with the convenience of a one-pan pasta bake. With its crispy tater tot topping, melty cheese, and savory ground beef, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the irresistible combination of cheeseburger and pasta in one delicious, easy-to-make meal!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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