Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect family-friendly dish. It’s easy, cheesy and full of all the flavours of a burger! 

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this casserole is quick to throw together and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Family-friendly: Everyone in the family will love this casserole spin on their favorite cheeseburgers.
• Great for meal prep: You can make this casserole ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Extra-lean ground beef – ground pork, turkey or sausage would also work for this casserole.
• Yellow onion – white onion or shallots would also work.
• Green pepper – or any colour bell pepper of your choice.
• Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch.
• Taco seasoning – use a store-bought blend or make your own.
• Worcestershire sauce – a combination of soy sauce and ketchup will provide a similar flavour.
• Frozen tater tots – you could try using frozen fries, but they may not cook the same.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – swap out for another cheese of your choice like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
• Green onions – diced red onions would also be good.
• Tomato – top with salsa instead.
• Sour cream – plain Greek yogurt is a healthier option.

How to make tater tot casserole

Step 1: Sauté the beef and veggies.

Sauté the ground beef, veggies, garlic, taco seasoning and Worcestershire in a large skillet.

Step 2: Cook until the beef is lightly browned.

Stir occasionally until no pink remains and the veggies are softened.

Step 3: Add to a casserole dish.

Add the beef mixture to a baking dish.

Step 4: Top with tater tots.

Add the frozen tater tots in an even layer over top of the beef mixture.

Step 5: Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from oven and top with cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy!

Garnish casserole with green onions and tomatoes, then serve with sour cream.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my casserole watery?

If you find that your casserole is watery when you first take it out of the oven, don’t worry – let it cool for a bit so it can thicken. You also want to make sure you add the tater tots frozen, or they’ll get a bit mushy and watery.

Can you make it ahead of time?

If you’re prepping this cheeseburger tater tot casserole recipe for a party or potluck, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time without the tater tots, then cover it in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, layer in the tater tots, then cook as normal.

What goes well with this dish?

This dish is awesome because it has both the burger and the fries in it already, making it pretty filling on its own. If you’re looking for side dish ideas, you could serve it with garlic bread or homemade dinner rolls, crispy green beans, broccoli salad or a side salad.

How to store and reheat

• Storing: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes to keep the tater tots crispy. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes, though the tots may lose some crispiness.
• Freezing cooked casserole: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or double-wrap the casserole in aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
• Freezing before baking: Assemble the casserole (leaving off the cheese), then wrap tightly in foil and freeze. When ready to bake, add 15 to 20 extra minutes to the baking time, remove the foil, and add the cheese.

Meal prep tools

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this dish into leftovers.
• I get all my grass-fed beef from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.