Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup later.
Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the uncooked ground beef. Cook until fully browned, stirring frequently. Drain any excess grease, ensuring a flavorful base that isn’t oily.
Season Beef: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Combine Creamy Ingredients: Add the cheddar cheese condensed soup, sour cream, chopped bacon, and milk directly into the skillet. Mix thoroughly to coat every piece of beef in the deliciously creamy mixture.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef and cheese mixture into the prepared baking pan. Top it with frozen tater tots and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spatula to gently mix everything until thoroughly coated.
Bake: Spread the casserole mixture evenly in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges with golden-brown tater tots.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best flavors and textures.

Best ways to enjoy it

This casserole shines on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few side options. Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness. For a bit of zing, a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of guacamole on top can go a long way. Pairing with pickles or jalapeños adds both crunch and flavor, mimicking the classic cheeseburger experience!

Storage and reheating tips

Storing leftovers is easy. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes.

Helpful cooking tips

Beef Alternatives: Feel free to swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based meat substitute and substitute sour cream with a vegan alternative to create a meatless masterpiece.
Extra Crispy Tots: For an even crispier top, bake tater tots separately for about 10 minutes before layering them on the casserole.

Creative twists

Explore variations by mixing in different toppings or ingredients! Add some diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor. Switch out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack to kick up the heat. You can also make mini versions in muffin tins for bite-sized snacks perfect for parties.

Common questions

What is the prep time for this casserole?

The prep time is around 15-20 minutes, making it a quick meal option for busy evenings.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in the oven cold.

How do I reheat frozen casserole safely?

To reheat a frozen casserole, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If you’re in a hurry, you can bake it from frozen, but it’ll take about 1 hour and 15 minutes at 350°F.

Now that you’re equipped with all the details, you’re ready to create a dish that’s sure to bring joy to your table. Enjoy cooking!