Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Looking for a delicious and filling meal that the whole family will love? This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect comfort food to satisfy those cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound frozen tater tots
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is no longer pink.
- Stir in soup, milk, and ketchup until well combined.
- Pour beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with tater tots and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tater tots are crispy and cheese is melted.
Popular questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
- Can I use sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots?
- Can I add bacon to this casserole?
- How can I make this casserole spicy?
- Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you like to amp up the nutrition factor.
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for future meals.
Use a gluten-free condensed soup or make a homemade cheese sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Sweet potato tots can be used as a healthy alternative to traditional tater tots.
Adding cooked and crumbled bacon can enhance the flavor of this dish.
Add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by browning the beef and onions first, then layering everything in the slow cooker and cooking on low for 4-6 hours.
Helpful tips:
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for a few minutes before serving.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
- Experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder or paprika for added depth of flavor.
- Use a larger baking dish for a thinner casserole layer or a smaller dish for a thicker layer.
- Try adding a layer of pickles or pickle relish for a classic cheeseburger taste.
- Include a handful of crispy bacon bits into the beef mixture for added crunch.
- Make it a Tex-Mex version by using taco seasoning and topping with salsa and avocado slices.
- Double the recipe and freeze one for a quick and easy meal on a busy day.
- Get the kids involved in layering the tater tots and cheese for a fun family activity.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the ground beef until nicely browned for rich flavor in the casserole.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust the amount of ketchup to suit your personal taste preferences – you can add more for a sweeter dish or less for a more savory flavor.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite burger fixings like pickles, tomatoes, or lettuce.
- Add a touch of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for a hint of umami flavor.
- Use extra sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense cheesy taste.
- Try mixing in some cooked and crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for a smoky flavor boost.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Make a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground “beef” and vegetarian cheddar cheese soup.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
