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 large 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 ketchup, mustard, and sour cream into the cooked beef. Add the soup and mix well. Cook 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer beef mixture to 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 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
- Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor. Turkey or chicken can be substituted.
- Cheddar and mozzarella create a great melt. Experiment with other cheeses!
- Cream of mushroom works well, but cream of cheddar or chicken are also good options.
- For extra crispy tots, ensure even spacing and broil at the end.
Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger: Add 4-6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture or sprinkle on top.
- Loaded: Add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- BBQ: Replace half the ketchup with BBQ sauce.
- Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils, and use cream of celery soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble up to the tater tots, refrigerate overnight, then bake, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
How do I 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 side salad or roasted vegetables complement this hearty casserole.
This Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is ultimate comfort food! Give it a try!
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