Chef Maxime created this cheeseburger tater tot casserole during a particularly hectic week when his family craved comfort food but time was scarce. He combined two beloved classics—juicy cheeseburgers and crispy tater tots—into one satisfying dish that required minimal effort but delivered maximum flavor. The result transformed into an instant family favorite that appeared on his dinner table week after week.
This casserole recipe captures everything you love about cheeseburgers and fries in a convenient, fork-friendly format.
The savory ground beef layer infused with classic burger seasonings pairs perfectly with golden crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s the kind of dinner recipe that brings everyone to the table with smiles and empty plates.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (Family Favorite)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Brown ground beef and onion in large skillet over medium-high heat, 6-8 minutes. Break meat into crumbles.
- Drain excess fat. Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish. Stir well.
- In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cook 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk while whisking. Cook until thickened, 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread beef mixture in prepared baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over beef.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in single layer across top.
- Bake 35-40 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top. Bake additional 5 minutes.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy casserole.
Can be assembled 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Freezes well up to 3 months.
Sweet potato tots work as substitute for regular tater tots. Servings: 8
Calories: 520
Protein: 28g
Summary
This cheeseburger tater tot casserole combines seasoned ground beef with tangy pickles, ketchup, and mustard, all topped with a layer of crispy frozen tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. The dish bakes until golden brown and bubbly, creating a complete meal that tastes exactly like a cheeseburger with fries. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this hamburger recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right from your own oven.
The beauty of this beef recipe lies in its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. Kids love the familiar flavors, adults appreciate the convenience, and everyone enjoys the satisfying combination of textures. Whether feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole never disappoints.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Equipment for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- 9×13-inch baking dish – standard casserole size
- Large skillet for browning meat
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- Whisk for smooth sauce
- Aluminum foil (optional for covering)
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Meat Layer
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 lean ratio)
- 1 small onion, diced – adds savory depth
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – essential seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt – enhances all flavors
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – subtle heat
- ⅓ cup ketchup – classic burger flavor
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard – tangy kick
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish – sweet and sour notes
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter – creates rich base
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – thickening agent
- 1½ cups whole milk – creamy foundation
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – signature cheese flavor
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances richness
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – subtle seasoning
Topping
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots (one standard bag)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – final golden layer
Optional Garnishes
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced pickles
- Diced onions
- Special sauce or thousand island dressing
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley
Instructions for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pan. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, creating small crumbles. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining.
Step 3: Season the Meat Mixture
Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Return the pan to medium heat and add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, and dill pickle relish. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. This step prevents a raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 5: Finish the Cheese Sauce
Continue whisking the milk mixture until it begins to thicken, approximately 3-4 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 6: Assemble the Base
Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press it down gently to create a uniform layer. Pour the cheese sauce over the meat layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.
Step 7: Add the Tater Tot Layer
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer across the top of the cheese sauce. Place them close together without overlapping for maximum crispiness. You should be able to fit the entire bag of tater tots on top.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. The tater tots should turn golden brown and crispy, and you’ll see the cheese sauce bubbling around the edges.
Step 9: Add Final Cheese Layer
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to turn golden.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Let the cheeseburger tater tot casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, making serving easier and preventing burns from extremely hot filling.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 of casserole) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Total Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 920mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Vitamin A | 12% DV |
| Vitamin C | 6% DV |
| Calcium | 30% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Nutritional Highlights
This hamburger meat recipe provides 28 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying and filling meal option. The lean ground beef contributes essential nutrients including iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and selenium. These minerals support immune function, energy production, and overall health.
The cheese in this casserole adds calcium for bone health while also providing protein and vitamin A. The tater tots contribute carbohydrates for energy, though they do increase the calorie and fat content. Pairing this rich casserole with a fresh vegetable side helps create a more balanced meal.
Dietitian Tips
- Add vegetables: Mix diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the beef layer for extra nutrients
- Lighten the recipe: Use 93/7 lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese to cut calories and saturated fat
- Increase fiber: Serve with a large side salad or steamed broccoli to boost vegetable intake
- Control portions: Stick to one serving (1/8 of the casserole) and fill half your plate with vegetables
- Make it leaner: Use ground turkey instead of beef to reduce saturated fat while maintaining protein
- Reduce sodium: Choose low-sodium cheese and limit added salt in the beef mixture
Tips and Variations for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Cooking Tips
- Drain the beef thoroughly: Excess grease makes the casserole soggy and heavy
- Use frozen tater tots: Don’t thaw them first—frozen tots become crispier during baking
- Make the cheese sauce smooth: Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumps
- Don’t overbake: Watch the tater tots carefully in the final minutes to prevent burning
- Let it rest: The 10-minute rest period helps the layers set for cleaner serving
- Cover if browning too fast: If tater tots brown before the casserole is heated through, tent with foil
Flavor Variations
- Bacon cheeseburger version: Note: Skip bacon for this site, but add extra cheese instead
- Spicy kick: Mix diced jalapeños into the beef or add hot sauce to the cheese sauce
- BBQ twist: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce and add a dash of liquid smoke
- Pizza-style: Add Italian seasoning and top with mozzarella cheese
- Ranch flavor: Mix ranch seasoning into the beef and drizzle ranch dressing on top before serving
Cheese Options
- Sharp cheddar: Provides more intense cheese flavor
- Colby Jack: Adds mild, creamy taste
- Pepper Jack: Brings spicy heat to every bite
- American cheese: Creates ultra-creamy, nostalgic burger flavor
- Cheese blend: Combine multiple cheeses for complex flavor
Protein Swaps
- Ground turkey: Leaner option with similar texture
- Ground chicken: Even lighter while maintaining protein content
- Plant-based ground: Vegetarian alternative that mimics beef texture
- Combination meats: Mix ground beef with ground turkey for balanced flavor and nutrition
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Prepare ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate
- Freeze uncooked: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze up to 3 months
- Freeze cooked: Cool completely, portion into containers, freeze up to 2 months
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Reheat properly: Warm in 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions
Serving Suggestions
- Classic toppings: Serve with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles
- Sauce bar: Offer ketchup, mustard, special sauce, and hot sauce for customization
- Side salads: Pair with coleslaw, garden salad, or Caesar salad
- Vegetable sides: Serve with steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or corn
- Complete the burger experience: Add sesame seeds and diced onions on top
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots?
Absolutely! Sweet potato tots work wonderfully in this cheeseburger tater tot casserole and add extra nutrients like vitamin A and fiber. They provide a slightly sweeter flavor that complements the savory beef perfectly. The cooking time remains the same, though sweet potato tots may brown slightly faster.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Ensure you drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning to remove excess fat. Also, don’t thaw the frozen tater tots before adding them to the casserole. Using full-fat dairy products rather than low-fat versions helps the cheese sauce maintain proper consistency. If the mixture seems too thin, simmer the beef filling for 2-3 extra minutes to reduce liquid.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and tater tots regain some crispiness. You can also microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, though the tater tots won’t be as crispy. Cover the dish while reheating to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze cheeseburger tater tot casserole?
Yes, this dinner recipe freezes beautifully! You can freeze it either before or after baking. For unbaked casseroles, assemble completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 20-30 minutes to the cooking time. For already-baked casseroles, cool completely before freezing and reheat in the oven at 350°F.
What can I substitute for the cheese sauce?
If you’re short on time, replace the homemade cheese sauce with one can of condensed cheddar cheese soup mixed with ½ cup milk or sour cream. While not quite as rich as homemade, it’s a convenient shortcut. You can also use store-bought cheese sauce or nacho cheese for quick assembly.
Conclusion for Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
This cheeseburger tater tot casserole delivers all the satisfaction of your favorite fast food meal in a convenient, family-friendly format. The combination of seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy tater tots creates comfort food magic that appeals to all ages. It’s become a family favorite for good reason—simple ingredients, easy preparation, and consistently delicious results.
Whether you’re looking for casserole recipes that feed a crowd, hamburger recipes that kids will actually eat, or beef recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen, this dish checks every box. The recipe’s flexibility allows endless customization while the straightforward method ensures success every single time. Make it once, and you’ll understand why it deserves a permanent spot in your dinner recipes rotation.
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