Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up. Drain excess grease. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Make the Cheeseburger Mixture:
Stir in ketchup, mustard, and sour cream. Add soup and mix well. Cook 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour beef mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Arrange tater tots evenly on top.
5. Bake:
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling. For extra crispy tots, broil for 2-3 minutes (watch carefully!).
6. Garnish & Serve:
Let cool slightly. Garnish with pickles and parsley (optional). Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- For richer flavor, use 80/20 ground beef. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
- Cheddar and mozzarella are great, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses!
- Cream of mushroom works well, but cream of cheddar or chicken are also delicious.
- For extra crispy tots, ensure even spacing and broil at the end.
Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture or sprinkle on top.
- Loaded: Add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- BBQ Cheeseburger: Substitute half the ketchup with BBQ sauce.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils, and cream of celery soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble up to the tater tots, refrigerate, and bake as directed (adding 5-10 minutes).
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze before baking, wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
How to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Can I use fresh potatoes?
Yes, but slice thinly and adjust baking time accordingly.
What to serve with it?
A simple salad or roasted vegetables are great sides.
This Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is ultimate comfort food! Give it a try!
ADVERTISEMENT
