Nothing says comfort food like a bubbling casserole fresh from the oven, and this Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate cozy dinner. Packed with seasoned ground beef, layers of creamy cheese, and crowned with crispy tater tots, it’s a hearty dish that the whole family will crave. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this one-pan wonder brings together all your favorite cheeseburger flavors in an easy-to-bake format.

Perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings, this casserole takes just minutes to assemble and delivers serious satisfaction. The tater tots stay wonderfully crisp on top while soaking in the savory juices underneath. Melted cheddar, tangy sour cream, and a touch of garlic make every bite incredibly rich and flavorful. It’s cheesy, it’s beefy, and it’s absolutely delicious.

What Kind of Tater Tots Should I Use?

For this recipe, classic frozen tater tots work perfectly. Stick with your favorite brand, or go with extra-crispy varieties if you prefer a crunchier topping. You don’t need to thaw them before baking; they crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (1)

How To Make the Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Creamy Base

Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix until well combined and creamy. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 4: Add the Tater Tots

Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Make sure they are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until melted. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Serve this casserole piping hot straight from the oven with a side salad, pickles, or steamed veggies for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or even a drizzle of ranch.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make it ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole up to the tater tot layer, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What cheese is best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Try mixing in peas, corn, or diced bell peppers with the beef mixture.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken or cream of cheddar soup instead. A homemade white sauce also works great.

What’s a good garnish besides green onion?

Try crispy bacon bits, pickled jalapeños, or even a squiggle of mustard for a cheeseburger-style finish.

Want More Casserole Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, try these other hearty favorites:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich and saucy bake.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti when you want creamy comfort with zero hassle.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole to bring elegance to everyday meals.
Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole for a Tex-Mex spin.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole if you love noodles and beefy goodness.

📌 Save this casserole recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it again whenever cravings hit.

Tried it? Let me know how it turned out! Did you throw in extra cheese or spice it up with jalapeños? I love hearing your kitchen twists. Questions welcome—let’s make this a dish worth repeating.

Want even more delicious dinner ideas? Follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes where I post my daily recipe favorites!

Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate one-dish comfort meal with layers of savory beef, melty cheese, and golden-crisp tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s quick to prepare and even better the next day.