Name: Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped pickles or cooked bacon (optional)

When you want something cozy, cheesy, and guaranteed to bring the whole table together, this Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole hits the spot. It’s everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger—ground beef, melty cheese, crispy potatoes—all baked into one warm, bubbly dish that’s weeknight easy and weekend-worthy.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving comfort food with minimal fuss, this casserole has layers of flavor that come together with pantry staples. It’s meaty, cheesy, and crowned with golden tater tots for that irresistible crispy finish. Bonus: leftovers reheat like a dream.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the heart of this casserole, go with lean ground beef—85/15 is the sweet spot. It gives you plenty of flavor without leaving the dish greasy. If you prefer a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken can sub in just fine. Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning for the best texture.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Ground Beef – The star of the dish, bringing savory, meaty flavor to every bite.

Yellow Onion – Sautéed with the beef to build a rich, aromatic base.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These pantry staples enhance the overall flavor profile.

Ketchup & Yellow Mustard – For that classic cheeseburger tang.

Worcestershire Sauce – Adds depth and a savory kick that ties everything together.

Cream of Mushroom Soup – Creates a creamy, cohesive sauce that holds the filling together.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts into gooey goodness and brings that iconic cheeseburger flavor.

Frozen Tater Tots – The crispy, golden crown that makes this casserole irresistibly good.

Salt & Pepper – Simple, essential seasoning.

Chopped Pickles or Bacon (optional) – Adds zing or smokiness for extra burger vibes.

How To Make the Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is fully browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings and Sauce

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let everything simmer for a few minutes until well blended. Then, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and half of the shredded cheese.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Top with a single layer of frozen tater tots. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tots.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 5: Optional Garnish

Top with chopped pickles or crumbled bacon for an extra cheeseburger twist. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store Your Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone but also plays well with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies if you’re looking to round out the meal. A drizzle of ketchup or a dollop of sour cream can give it a personalized twist.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly and refrigerating. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring the tater tots back to life with their original crispy crunch. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can be used in place of ground beef. Just adjust seasoning to your taste.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Absolutely—cream of chicken or cream of cheddar soups work great. You can also make a homemade roux-based sauce if you prefer a scratch-made version.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole (minus the tater tots and cheese on top) a day in advance. Add the tots and cheese just before baking.

How do I keep the tater tots from getting soggy?

Make sure they go on frozen, and don’t cover the casserole while baking. Baking uncovered helps them crisp up beautifully.

Can I add veggies to this casserole?

Totally. Peas, corn, or bell peppers are tasty additions that blend well with the other flavors.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

It’s a major hit with kids! The cheeseburger flavor and crispy tots are a winning combo for little eaters.

Want More Casserole Ideas with Comforting Flavor?

If you loved this Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, you’ll definitely want to check out these other hearty, comfort-food winners:

Easy Weeknight Tater Tot Casserole for a simple, classic take.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with creamy layers of cheesy pasta.
Chicken Pot Pie Bake with Cheddar Bay Biscuits for cozy, savory bites.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup if you love casserole comfort in a spoon.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a cheesy, meaty pasta dream.

And if you’re always looking for more cozy meal inspiration, you’ll love my daily recipe shares on Pinterest. Check out Life with Jam on Pinterest for even more casseroles, one-pot wonders, and comfort food classics!

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick with the classic or throw in a twist—maybe pickles or jalapeños?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Drop your photos, tips, or questions—let’s make dinnertime delicious together!

Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole combines all the best parts of a burger—savory beef, melty cheese, and a hint of tangy ketchup—with crispy tater tots baked on top. It’s easy, hearty, and guaranteed to become a weeknight family favorite. Perfect for make-ahead meals, potlucks, or just when you’re craving the ultimate comfort food.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until fully cooked.
Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add the cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Stir until well combined. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture
. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tots are golden and crisp.
Optional: Sprinkle with chopped pickles or crumbled bacon. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.