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Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

A cheesy and comforting Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole made with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy golden tater tots. This easy one-pan dinner is the perfect family-friendly comfort food inspired by classic cheeseburgers.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Rest Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Beef Layer
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp ketchup optional
  • 1 tbsp mustard optional
  • Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Topping
  • 4 cups frozen tater tots
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • Optional Toppings
  • Pickles chopped
  • Ketchup or mustard drizzle
  • Fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
  2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir in ketchup and mustard if using. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened.
  4. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
  5. Spread beef mixture evenly in baking dish.
  6. Pour cheese sauce over beef layer.
  7. Arrange tater tots on top in a single layer.
  8. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until tater tots are crispy and golden.
  9. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and bake another 5–10 minutes until melted.
  10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
  • Keep tater tots in a single layer for maximum crispiness.
  • Add pickles after baking for classic cheeseburger flavor.
  • Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months before or after baking.