Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together all the comfort of a classic cheeseburger with the crispy goodness of tater tots. Loaded with savory ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and golden tots, this easy casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekend meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two comfort food favorites combined in one easy casserole
• Rich and creamy filling with layers of beef, cheese, and sour cream
• Crispy tater tot topping adds a satisfying crunch
• Easy to make ahead and reheat for busy weeknights
• Versatile and customizable with added vegetables or spices
• Family-friendly—even picky eaters love it
• Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or casual entertaining
• Minimal prep time with simple, everyday ingredients
• Cheesy and indulgent, yet easy to assemble
• Comforting and filling—a complete meal in one pan

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cheddar cheese condensed soup
• Sour cream
• Cooked and chopped bacon
• Milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen tater tots
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, stirring frequently. Drain any excess grease.
3. Season the cooked beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese condensed soup, sour cream, cooked bacon, and milk. Mix until well combined and everything is evenly coated.
5. Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Add the frozen tater tots and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well in the dish until the mixture is evenly combined and the tater tots are well distributed.
7. Spread the mixture into an even layer across the pan.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 44 minutes
Total Time: 59 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, bell peppers, or jalapeños
• Make it spicy with hot sauce, chili powder, or pepper jack cheese
• Swap proteins—use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives
• Top with pickles or tomatoes for a true cheeseburger twist
• Use different cheeses like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or smoked cheddar
• Add ketchup or mustard to the beef mixture for authentic burger flavor

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until hot throughout.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked or fully baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to one day ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese soup?

You can substitute with a homemade cheese sauce or use cream of mushroom soup with added shredded cheese.

Are the tater tots supposed to be cooked before adding?

No, keep the tater tots frozen—they will cook perfectly in the oven.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, use a plant-based ground meat alternative and skip the bacon.

How do I make it less rich?

Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese, and reduce the amount of bacon or skip it.

What side dishes go well with this?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables balance the richness of this casserole.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Tater tots are preferred for their crisp texture, but you can use cubed and roasted potatoes for a similar result.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven for a crispy top or microwave for convenience. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Can I add extra cheese on top?

Absolutely. A layer of extra shredded cheese on top before baking will make it even cheesier.

Does this freeze well?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping and freezing.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. With savory beef, creamy sauce, crispy tots, and gooey cheese in every bite, this recipe brings classic American flavors together in one family-friendly dish. Whether for a busy weekday dinner or a casual get-together, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

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This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole combines all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the crispy perfection of tater tots. Loaded with beef, bacon, cheese, and creamy sauce, this family-friendly comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 44 minutes
• Total Time: 59 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Casserole, Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Meat:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 3/4 cup cooked and chopped bacon

Canned & Dairy:

• 10.5 oz cheddar cheese condensed soup

• 8 oz sour cream

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Frozen:

• 32 oz frozen tater tots (keep frozen)

Seasonings & Condiments:

 

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, stirring often. Drain excess grease.

3. Season the beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir in the condensed cheddar soup, sour cream, cooked bacon, and milk until everything is well combined.

5. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish.

6. Add the frozen tater tots and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything evenly with a spatula.

7. Spread the mixture out evenly in the dish.

8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly around the edges.

9. Serve immediately and enjoy hot!

Notes

• Feel free to customize with add-ins like sautéed onions, diced peppers, mushrooms, green beans, or jalapeños.

• For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.