Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
A nostalgic, kid-approved casserole that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with crispy tater tots for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20) Leaner is fine if you drain well
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp or mild, your choice
- 1 cup pickle slices Dill or bread-and-butter depending on sweetness preference
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Substitute cream of celery or cheddar for variation
- 1 cup milk Whole milk for richness; skim works too
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ketchup and mustard for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Heat a skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and onion is translucent (about 6–8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, stir together the cooked beef, onion, cream of mushroom soup, and milk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assembly
- Arrange half of the frozen tater tots in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the tater tot layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the beef, then arrange pickle slices over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining tater tots in a single layer. Add extra cheddar on top if desired.
Baking
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown and filling is bubbly. If tops brown too fast, tent loosely with foil.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Offer ketchup and mustard on the side for a true cheeseburger experience.
Notes
For extra-crispy tots, bake uncovered and switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. For make-ahead, assemble up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.