Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a fun, comforting dish that brings together all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger and crispy, golden tater tots in one simple meal. Imagine…

By Madison • September 14, 2025 • Reading time: 7 min

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Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a fun, comforting dish that brings together all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger and crispy, golden tater tots in one simple meal. Imagine juicy ground beef cooked with onions, smothered in melty cheese, and topped with a crunchy layer of tots that bake up perfectly in the oven. It’s like a cheeseburger and fries made into a cozy, warm casserole.

I love this dish because it’s easy to throw together and always hits the spot when I want something filling and familiar, but without the hassle of grilling or frying. Plus, you can get creative with mix-ins or toppings—I sometimes add pickles or even a drizzle of ketchup right before serving for that extra cheeseburger flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to love, which is always a win in my kitchen.

My favorite way to serve Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is straight from the pan with a simple green salad on the side. It makes a great weeknight dinner or a casual dish for friends and family. I always look forward to digging into that golden, cheesy topping and the satisfying mix of beef and tots underneath—it’s pure comfort food that brings back good, happy memories every time.

How Do I Get Crispy, Golden Tater Tots on Top?

The key is placing frozen tater tots in a single layer right on top of the beef mixture before baking. Here’s how to get them just right:

• Arrange tots evenly so they crisp up all over.
• Bake uncovered at 375°F so moisture escapes, allowing a golden crust.
• When tots look golden but the cheese isn’t melted yet, sprinkle cheese on top and bake a little more. This keeps tots crisp and cheese deliciously gooey.
• If you want extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

This way your topping stays crunchy while the beef is juicy underneath, making every bite satisfying.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect size for evenly cooking and layering all ingredients.
• Large skillet – you’ll brown the ground beef and sauté veggies in it; a nonstick one makes cleanup easier.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – great for breaking up meat and stirring the mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ketchup, mustard, and soup amounts just right.
• Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot casserole dish when you take it out of the oven.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish but keep the protein tasty.
• Add diced pickles or pickle relish to the beef mixture for a tangy, classic cheeseburger twist.
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms or chopped jalapeños with the veggies to boost flavor and texture.
• Use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a milder or creamier melt.

How to Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of onion soup)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard (optional, for cheeseburger flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For The Topping:

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• Reserved ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions or chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: diced pickles or pickle relish (for topping or mixing in)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. You’ll brown the beef, mix the filling, and arrange the tater tots before baking until golden and crispy. Quick and satisfying!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare and Cook the Beef Mixture:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Mix in the Sauce and Cheese:

Stir the condensed soup, ketchup, mustard (if using), and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until everything is combined well.

3. Assemble and Bake:

Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top, covering the filling. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy.

4. Add Cheese Topping and Final Bake:

Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese over the baked tater tots, then return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh touch. Add diced pickles or pickle relish if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!