Name: Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; ⅓ cup diced yellow or sweet onion; ⅔ cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; 2 tablespoons dill or sweet pickle relish; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups milk; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 32 ounces tater tots

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This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. It combines all the classic cheeseburger flavors—seasoned ground beef, tangy condiments, and gooey cheese—with crispy tater tots for a family-friendly weeknight dinner that’s filling, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole hits all the marks for a cozy dinner: it’s cheesy, satisfying, and packed with bold cheeseburger flavor. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, makes great leftovers, and is a surefire crowd-pleaser. The ketchup-mustard-relish combo gives the beef a tangy punch, while the homemade cheese sauce adds a creamy layer beneath those crispy golden tater tots.

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the base:

Lean ground beef
Yellow or sweet onion
Ketchup
Yellow mustard
Dill or sweet pickle relish
Salt

For the cheese sauce:

Butter
All-purpose flour
Milk
Salt and black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese

For the topping:

Frozen tater tots

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter or spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
Add condiments: Stir in ketchup, mustard, relish, and salt. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook until golden. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened and bubbling. Stir in salt, pepper, and 1½ cups of the shredded cheese until smooth.
Assemble the casserole: Pour cheese sauce over the meat layer in the baking dish.
Top with tater tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
Bake for 35 minutes. Remove, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for 5 more minutes until melted.
Optional garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Spicy twist: Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for some heat.
Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese.
Pickle lovers: Add extra chopped pickles to the beef or as a topping after baking.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

How do I make this ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole without the tater tots. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the tater tots and cook as directed.

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of tater tots?

Yes, shredded hash browns or hash brown patties can be used, though they’ll create a different texture. Cook time may vary slightly.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar works great, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for added spice.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The familiar flavors of cheeseburgers and tater tots make this a favorite among kids.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or even finely chopped spinach can be added to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.

Can I make this in a larger dish?

Yes, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch baking dish to feed a crowd.

Will it still work without the cheese sauce?

You can simplify by skipping the homemade sauce and using shredded cheese between layers, but the cheese sauce adds creaminess and richness.

What’s the best way to reheat it without drying out?

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot. Add a bit of extra shredded cheese before reheating for best results.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the cheese sauce and check that your tater tots and condiments are gluten-free.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

No, use them straight from the freezer for best results and crispy texture.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the hearty, comforting dish you didn’t know you needed. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, but flavorful enough to make it into your regular rotation. Customize it to your liking and watch it become a family favorite!

Jessica