Description

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the ease of a baked casserole. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, crispy tater tots, and smoky bacon make this recipe irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this dish is as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Plus, it’s highly customizable—add vegetables, swap proteins, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb. ground beef
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
10.5 oz cheddar cheese condensed soup
8 oz sour cream
¾ cup bacon, cooked and chopped
½ cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
32 oz frozen tater tots (keep frozen)

Seasonings

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
Season the Beef
Season the cooked beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Prepare the Sauce
Add cheddar cheese condensed soup, sour cream, cooked bacon, and milk to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir until everything is well combined, and the beef is coated evenly.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the beef mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Add the frozen tater tots and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spatula to mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly until evenly distributed.
Bake the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly in the pan to ensure uniform baking. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden and crispy.
Serve
Serve the casserole piping hot and enjoy its rich, cheesy, and savory flavors.

Notes

Cooking Tips

Draining Grease: Be sure to drain the grease from the cooked ground beef to avoid an overly oily casserole.
Even Crisping: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer for even crisping on top.
Check for Doneness: Bake until the edges are bubbling and the tater tots are golden and crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Mix in peas, corn, or sautéed onions for added nutrients and texture.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Assemble the casserole and freeze (unbaked) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain the crispy topping.

Customizations

Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free condensed soup and certified gluten-free tater tots.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a kick.