Description
This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dinner that combines all the classic cheeseburger flavors in one comforting, oven-baked dish. Featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots, this easy casserole is a weeknight favorite that’s ready in under an hour. It’s the perfect make-ahead or freezer-friendly meal and can be customized with your favorite burger toppings like pickles, bacon, or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3/4 cup sliced sweet pickles, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1–1/2 cups Thousand Island salad dressing, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen Tater Tots
- 2–1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a Dutch oven, cook beef, pickles, onion and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender, 6-8 minutes, breaking up beef into crumbles; drain. Stir in 1 cup dressing and the salt and pepper. Add Tater Tots and 2 cups of cheese; stir to combine. Transfer to a greased 13×9-in. baking dish.
- Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until heated through. Add remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes more. Drizzle top with remaining 1/2 cup dressing. Garnish with additional sweet pickles, if desired.
Notes
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Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time if starting cold.
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Freezer Instructions: Freeze unbaked or fully cooked casserole for up to 3 months. If baking from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 60–70 minutes, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to crisp the tater tots.
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Ingredient Swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat instead of beef. For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and soup.
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Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but you can also use a blend like Monterey Jack or Colby.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
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Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to keep the tater tots crispy.