Print

Loaded Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Bliss

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This hearty bake combines crispy golden tater tots with a savory, seasoned ground beef mixture, generously topped with melted cheddar cheese and tangy dill pickle slices. It offers a comforting blend of textures and classic cheeseburger flavors in a convenient casserole format, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 32 ounces frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle slices, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
  7. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  9. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
  10. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  11. Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish generously with dill pickle slices.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.

You can substitute cheddar cheese with a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby for a milder flavor.

To make this dish ahead, prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole without baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add extra baking time when cooking.

Nutrition