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To make this tasty dish, you need some key ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 can (10.5 oz) creamy mushroom soup - 1 cup whole milk - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots - 2 tablespoons fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a rich, cheesy filling with a crispy top. You can add extra flavors to your casserole with these options: - Cooked bacon bits for a smoky taste - Diced tomatoes for freshness - Pickles or relish for a tangy kick - Different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist These extras can really take your casserole to the next level. To prepare this dish easily, gather the following tools: - A large skillet for cooking the beef - A mixing bowl for combining ingredients - A large casserole dish for baking - A spatula for mixing and serving - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy Having these tools ready will make cooking smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for a crispy finish. The hot oven helps the tater tots get that golden color. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it until no pink remains. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. After it's cooked, drain the excess fat to keep it lean. Then, add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these until the onion is clear, about 5 minutes. This adds great flavor to your dish. After that, stir in 1 can of creamy mushroom soup. Also add 1 cup of whole milk, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of mustard powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is warm and combined. Now, grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Spread the beef mixture across the bottom. Make sure it’s even. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the beef. Cover it well for a cheesy bite! Finally, place the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Make sure they cover the entire surface. This will create a crunchy topping. Bake the casserole for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and take it out when the tater tots are golden brown. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your cheeseburger tater tot casserole! To get your tater tots crispy, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps the tots cook evenly. Spread them out in a single layer on the casserole. This ensures they get enough heat and air to crisp up. Bake them for 30-35 minutes until they are golden brown. If you want extra crunch, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Cheese is key to the flavor of this dish. I love using sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a great mix. For more flavor, consider adding pepper jack or gouda. You can also go for a blend of different cheeses. Just remember to shred your cheese for better melting. This makes the casserole creamy and cheesy throughout. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect blend. To save time, prepare your ingredients in advance. Dice the onion and mince the garlic before you start cooking. This way, you can cook everything quickly. You can also use pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time. If you have leftover ground beef, use that instead of cooking fresh. These small tips help you make the casserole faster and easier. Enjoy your cooking! Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier. This will also prevent the casserole from becoming greasy. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a unique flavor. Gouda or pepper jack can add a delicious twist to the classic cheddar and mozzarella. Customize Your Toppings: Add other toppings like bacon bits or jalapeños before baking for extra flavor and texture. This makes the dish more exciting and personalized. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Replace the ground beef with lentils or black beans. These options add protein and fiber. Use vegetable broth instead of milk and creamy mushroom soup for a rich flavor. You can also add a mix of your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers and mushrooms, to enhance the taste and texture. Want some heat? Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. This version adds a nice contrast to the creamy filling. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This twist makes the dish exciting and full of flavor! Adding more veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Try mixing in spinach, zucchini, or corn. These colorful veggies make the casserole more appealing. They also add vitamins and minerals. Ensure that the veggies are chopped small so they blend well with the beef mixture. It keeps the casserole creamy and delicious! After enjoying your Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, let it cool. Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you have a large batch, you can divide it into smaller portions. This way, it’s easier to heat up just what you need. To reheat your casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. Check if it's warm throughout before serving. If you prefer using a microwave, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot. You can freeze the casserole for later enjoyment. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven or microwave, just as mentioned above. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step. After preparing the layers, cover the dish and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it easy for busy nights or meal prep. If you want to change things up, you can use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or lentils. These choices provide great taste and protein. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives for a similar texture. Absolutely! You can use homemade cream of mushroom soup if you prefer. Just make sure it has a similar creamy texture. This can add a personal touch to your casserole. Homemade soup often tastes fresher and can be healthier too. Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is fun, easy, and packed with flavor. We covered the main and optional ingredients, helpful tools, and step-by-step prep. You learned tips for perfect crispiness and how to customize your dish. Variations make this meal adaptable for everyone, even vegetarians. Lastly, proper storage and reheating keep it delicious. This recipe is perfect for busy nights. Give it a try for your next family dinner!

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots topped with cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) creamy mushroom soup
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 2 tablespoons fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it’s hot enough to create that irresistible crispiness on the tater tots.
  • In a large skillet, place the ground beef over medium heat. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spatula until no pink remains. Once cooked, ensure to drain any excess fat from the skillet for a leaner dish.
  • Next, incorporate the finely diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté them together until the onions turn translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step adds flavor and aroma to the beef.
  • Slowly stir in the creamy mushroom soup along with the milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s combined and warmed through – this will create a luscious, creamy filling.
  • Lightly grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Layer the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, spreading it out to create an even base.
  • Generously sprinkle both the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture, ensuring to distribute it evenly to make the casserole cheesy throughout.
  • Now, take the frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer over the cheese. Ensure they cover the entire surface of the cheese to form a crispy topping.
  • Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it and remove it once the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
  • After baking, take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This lets the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
  • Finally, garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and a fresh crunch that complements the richness of the casserole.

Notes

For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Keyword casserole, cheeseburger, tater tots