Description
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, melted Colby Jack cheese, beef bacon, tangy pickles, and crispy tater tots into a hearty baked dish. It delivers classic cheeseburger flavors in an easy, family-friendly casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 cup chopped cooked beef bacon, divided
- 1/2 cup pickles, diced
- 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded, divided
- 28 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion and cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add the ketchup and yellow mustard to the skillet and stir to coat the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of the chopped beef bacon and the diced pickles.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese and remaining 1/4 cup of beef bacon over the top. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Colby Jack with cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
- Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for a spicy variation.
- Lean ground beef or ground turkey can be used for a lighter version.
- Extra toppings such as diced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded lettuce can be added after baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes for crispier tater tots.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 710 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
