Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (Print version)
A crisp, cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole with seasoned beef, pickles, cheddar, and golden potato tots.
# Ingredients:
For the beef filling
01 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) ground beef, 85% lean
02 -
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth
06 -
1/3 cup (80 g) ketchup
07 -
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
08 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
11 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the topping
12 -
2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
13 -
1 bag (32 oz or 900 g) frozen tater tots
14 -
1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
15 -
2 tablespoons sliced green onions, optional
16 -
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 -
Cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 7-9 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
03 -
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour, then add beef broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
04 -
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar over the beef.
05 -
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the tots are crisp and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
06 -
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the tots. Bake for 4-6 minutes more, until melted.
07 -
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Top with chopped dill pickles, green onions, and sesame seeds if using, then serve hot.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use frozen tater tots directly from the bag for the crispiest topping.
02 -
The beef filling can be made up to 2 days ahead.
03 -
Resting the casserole helps the filling thicken before serving.