If you love the classic flavor of a juicy cheeseburger, this Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is about to become a new family favorite. Savory ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, tangy ketchup, mustard, and crunchy dill pickles are layered with crispy golden tater tots and creamy homemade cheese sauce. It is everything you love about a cheeseburger in a warm, comforting casserole.
This easy dinner is a hit in my house, and it's one I've made time and time again. It is simple, hearty, and always disappears fast when I serve it.
Casseroles like this are always a hit in my house. When my kids were young, I started making dishes like this because I knew they would get excited about dinner. Other favorites include Southern Chicken Casserole and Cheeseburger Casserole, which were regulars in our dinner rotation.
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Why you will love this recipe
- Classic cheeseburger flavor - ketchup, mustard, pickles, and beef give this casserole that familiar burger taste.
- Family-friendly meal - Kids and adults both love crispy tater tots and cheesy casseroles.
- Simple pantry ingredients - Everything used in this recipe is easy to find and likely already in your kitchen.
- Great for busy nights - It comes together quickly and bakes in one dish.
- Comfort food at its best - Crispy, cheesy, savory layers make every bite feel special.
Reader Review: "The kids cleaned their plates! I've added this to the rotation!" - Liz
What is a Casserole?
A casserole is a baked dish made by combining several ingredients. They usually have a protein, vegetables, a starch, and a sauce. Everything goes together in the oven. The ingredients are layered and mixed in a casserole dish and baked until hot and bubbly.
Casseroles are so popular because they are flexible and easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen. This makes them perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or potlucks.
Tim's Tip: Don't skip the pickles. They add the same tangy bite you love on a cheeseburger.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef - The base of this casserole.
- Yellow Onion - Adds savory depth and sweetness as it cooks with the beef.
- Red Bell Pepper - Provides color and a mild sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Ketchup - Gives the dish that classic cheeseburger flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- Mustard - Adds tang and helps mimic the flavor of a traditional burger.
- Dill Pickles - Bring the traditional cheeseburger flavor.
- Salt - Essential seasoning for the mixture.
- Pepper - Adds a little bite.
- Garlic Powder - Add a layer of savory flavor.
- Paprika - Brings a little warmth and color to the dish.
- Butter - Creates the base for the roux that thickens the sauce.
- All Purpose Flour - Combines with the butter perfectly.
- Milk - Creates the creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese - Adds the melty finish on top of the casserole, along with the flavor for the cheese sauce.
Scroll down to the recipe card for exact ingredient amounts.
How to Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare your 2-quart baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and red peppers until the beef is browned. Drain off the excess grease. Turn off the heat.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, diced dill pickles, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine flavors. Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Lightly press it down with a spatula.
- Make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about one minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 ½ cups cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the meat mixture and spread evenly.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is how easy it is to customize based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers
- Ground Turkey or Chicken - swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the casserole.
- Different Cheese - Switch it up for what you love. Try Colby Jack, Swiss, or if you want a little kick, try Pepperjack.
- Add Bacon - turns this into a bacon cheeseburger casserole!
- Make it Spicy - Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne to give a little heat.
Tim's Top Expert Tips
- Even layer of tots - This ensures they get crispy instead of steaming.
- Shred your own cheese - Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less smooth.
- Cook the Roux long enough - Let the butter and flour cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Let the casserole rest before serving - Allowing it to sit for a few minutes helps it set up and makes slicing easier.
- Don't thaw the tater tots - Use them straight from the freezer so they bake up crispy on top.
What to serve with This Casserole
This casserole is hearty, so simple sides work best.
- A Simple Salad with our Homemade Buttermilk Ranch is a win for our family.
- Cole Slaw - A crunchy, tangy side to pair perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables - A lighter side to round out this meal!
- Pickles or Pickle Spears - To bring the classic cheeseburger flavor.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.
make ahead
- The casserole can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Wait to add the tater tots until ready to bake. Bake when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Add them frozen so they bake up crispy.
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken is a good alternative for a lighter option.
For the crispiest topping, add the tater tots straight from the freezer and make sure to arrange them in a single layer.
More Casseroles
Recipe
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 2 Qt Baking Dish
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- ½ cup Yellow Onion diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper diced
- ¼ cup Dill Pickles diced
- ⅔ cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- 2 teaspoon All-Purpose Flour
- 1½ cups Milk
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1½ cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
For the Topping
- 32 oz Tater Tots
- ½ cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
Instructions
Make Meat Filling
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare your 2-quart baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and red peppers until the beef is browned. Drain off the excess grease. Turn off the heat. 1 lb Ground Beef ½ cup Yellow Onion 1 Red Bell Pepper
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, diced dill pickles, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine flavors. Spoon this mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth it into an even layer. ⅔ cup Ketchup 2 tablespoon Yellow Mustard ¼ cup Dill Pickles ½ teaspoon Salt ½ teaspoon Black Pepper ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder ½ teaspoon Paprika
Make Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about one minute to create a roux. 2 tablespoon Butter 2 teaspoon All-Purpose Flour
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper. 1½ cups Milk ¼ teaspoon Salt ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Remove pan from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. 1½ cups Cheddar Cheese
- Pour the cheese sauce over the top and spread evenly.
Bake Casserole
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the casserole. (You may have extra tots) 32 oz Tater Tots
- Bake in a preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. ½ cup Cheddar Cheese
Notes
- Even layer of tots - This ensures they get crispy instead of steaming.
- Shred your own cheese - Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less smooth.
- Cook the Roux long enough - Let the butter and flour cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Let the casserole rest before serving - Allowing it to sit for a few minutes helps it set up and makes slicing easier.
- Don't thaw the tater tots - Use them straight from the freezer so they bake up crispy on top.
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