Go Back
Cheeseburger tater tot casserole with golden crispy tots and melted cheddar cheese

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (Family Favorite)

This cheeseburger tater tot casserole combines seasoned ground beef with tangy pickles, ketchup, and mustard, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. A complete comfort food meal that tastes exactly like a cheeseburger with fries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings 8
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 32 ounces frozen tater tots
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 9x13-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

Don't thaw tater tots before baking.
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