Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole combines the comfort of a juicy cheeseburger with golden crispy tater tots for a satisfying weeknight dinner that covers every craving. This dish is my favorite when I want something hearty but playful – it always disappears fast at potlucks and family table nights alike.

I first discovered this casserole when my freezer was full of tater tots and I needed a way to stretch out a pound of ground beef. Now it is the single most requested “special dinner” by my niece whenever she sleeps over.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Adds juicy meaty flavor Look for beef with an 80/20 ratio for moistness and taste
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings savory depth Choose a bottled brand you love since the taste comes through
• Cheddar cheese condensed soup: Creamy cheesy richness Use the soup version for smooth melting and convenience
• Sour cream: Tangy creaminess Select full fat for best texture and flavor
• Bacon cooked and chopped: Smoky crunch You can fry your own or use high quality pre-cooked bacon for ease
• Milk: Binds and loosens filling Whole or two percent keeps things creamy and not watery
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Gooey cheesy layer Freshly shredded melts best and gives brighter flavor
• Frozen tater tots: Keep them frozen for crispness Check ingredients for real potatoes and little filler
• Garlic powder: Quick flavor boost Look for bright white garlic powder not yellowed or clumpy
• Salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors forward Kosher salt distributes best
• Black pepper: Subtle heat and depth Fresh cracked is best for aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat breaking it up with a spatula until completely browned This can take about 8 to 10 minutes Make sure you drain off all the extra fat for a casserole that is rich but not greasy

Season and Build Flavor:

Sprinkle in Worcestershire sauce garlic powder salt and pepper right over the cooked beef Stir it well so the meat gets seasoned evenly

Make the Creamy Filling:

Add cheddar cheese soup sour cream chopped bacon and milk directly to the skillet Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and each piece of beef is coated

Combine with Tater Tots and Cheese:

Transfer the creamy beef mixture to your greased 9 by 13 baking dish Add frozen tater tots and shredded cheddar cheese Toss with a spatula until the tater tots are thoroughly mixed through and coated

Spread and Bake:

Smooth out the mixture in the dish so the layer is even This helps with even cooking and golden edges Place in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes until you see the sauce bubbling at the edges

Serve Hot:

Let the casserole cool for just five minutes then scoop and enjoy If you serve it piping hot the cheese is oozy and the tots hold their crunch

Pin it

There is something unbeatable about the way the tater tots get extra crunchy on top while the bottom layer melts almost into a creamy potato mash My favorite part is always the corners where the cheese turns golden and the bacon flavors mingle

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The casserole can also be cut into squares once cooled and wrapped for freezer storage up to two months Reheat portions in the oven or toaster oven to bring back the crispy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of cheddar cheese soup try a can of regular cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup and add a touch more shredded cheddar For a lighter version use ground turkey or chicken and swap in low fat sour cream You can also use vegetarian bacon or omit it for a meat free meal that is still comforting

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole with a simple crisp green salad or garlicky steamed broccoli Fresh pickles or sliced tomatoes on the side brighten up the richness For game day or parties set out ketchup mustard and diced onions so everyone can add their own burger style toppings

Casserole Culture

This dish is a snapshot of midwestern comfort food culture using frozen tater tots and canned soup to deliver big flavors with no fuss It is the perfect example of how resourceful home cooks turn classic diner flavors into family friendly casseroles that become traditions

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a tasty alternative and works well with the other flavors. Be sure to season generously for best results.

→ How do I make the top extra crispy?

Arrange tater tots in a single layer and bake uncovered. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the top further if desired.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Diced onions, jalapenos, mushrooms, or a sprinkle of chopped chives make great additions or garnishes for extra flavor.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

The assembled casserole can be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for best texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerate up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven for best results.