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For a tasty Loaded Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, gather these main ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 2 cups frozen tater tots - 1 cup pickles, diced - ¼ cup ketchup - ¼ cup mustard - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich, hearty base. The ground beef adds protein, while the cheese gives that creamy, melty goodness. To add even more flavor or a twist to your casserole, consider these optional ingredients: - Bacon bits for extra crunch - Jalapeños for a spicy kick - Green bell peppers for more veggies - Sour cream for a creamy finish These additions can enhance the taste and make your dish unique. You can mix and match based on your mood! If you have specific dietary needs or preferences, here are some common substitutions: - Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. - Swap out cheddar cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative. - For a gluten-free option, check your sauces and choose gluten-free brands. - Replace tater tots with hash browns or a cauliflower base for lower carbs. These substitutions keep your meal tasty and aligned with your dietary goals. Enjoy customizing it to fit your needs! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need ground beef, onion, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and spices. Don't forget the cheese, tater tots, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help your casserole bake evenly. In a large skillet, place the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the meat is no longer pink. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any fat from the skillet. Now, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns clear. Next, mix in the halved cherry tomatoes, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 2 more minutes. This step helps all the flavors combine perfectly. Grab a large baking dish and spread the beef mix evenly on the bottom. Drizzle the ketchup and mustard over the beef. Use a spoon to spread it out well. Then, sprinkle the diced pickles on top for a nice tang. Now, it's time for the tater tots! Spread them out in a single layer over the beef mix. This helps them get crispy. Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the tater tots to turn golden and crispy. After that, take it out and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes. Wait until the cheese melts and bubbles. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious Loaded Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole! To get crispy tater tots, arrange them in a single layer. This allows for even heat. Use a baking dish that is not too crowded. If needed, bake in two batches. Try baking the tater tots for a few minutes before adding other layers. This helps them crisp up more. A hot oven is key, so always preheat to 400°F (200°C). You can change the flavor of this dish easily. Add different spices like chili powder or cumin for a kick. Swap the cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers for a sweet taste. For a cheesy twist, mix in different types of cheese. Pepper jack adds heat, while mozzarella gives a creamy texture. You can also add jalapeños for some spice or use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor. For even cooking, stir the beef mixture well before layering. This ensures every bite is flavorful. Make sure to spread the ketchup and mustard evenly over the beef. When adding tater tots, place them tightly but not overlapping. This helps them cook evenly. Check the casserole halfway through to see if it needs rotating. This small step makes a big difference in cooking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality ground beef can significantly enhance the flavor of your casserole. Opt for organic or locally sourced produce when possible. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake when you're ready to serve. Check for Doneness: Since ovens vary, keep an eye on the tater tots towards the end of baking to ensure they reach your desired crispiness without burning. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for lentils or black beans. Cook them with diced onions and garlic for a tasty base. Use vegetable broth instead of Worcestershire sauce for flavor. For a vegan twist, replace the cheese with a plant-based option. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy taste, too. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Try adding cooked bacon bits for a smoky crunch. You can also use different cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you want a tangy touch, add some diced jalapeños. Switch out the cherry tomatoes for bell peppers for a sweet flavor. You can turn this casserole into a BBQ delight by mixing in barbecue sauce instead of ketchup. Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a meaty texture. For a spicy version, mix in hot sauce with the beef. You can also add spicy cheese for an extra kick. This way, every bite is packed with flavor! After you enjoy your Loaded Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents spills. Make sure the casserole cools down before you seal it. Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to four days. Always label the container with the date you stored it. This way, you can keep track of freshness. You can freeze this casserole for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy serving later. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. The casserole can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date and name. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen casserole, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps it from getting too soggy. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s hot throughout. If you want crispy tater tots, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of heating. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the beef mix and layer it in the baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready, just bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Several side dishes complement this casserole perfectly. You can serve a fresh salad for crunch. Try coleslaw for a tangy touch. Baked beans add a sweet flavor. Potato wedges work great too. These sides balance the hearty dish nicely. To make this recipe gluten-free, choose gluten-free tater tots. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Check your ketchup and mustard for gluten-free labels. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy this tasty dish without worry. Loaded Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is fun to make and eat. We covered key ingredients and tasty variations. You learned how to prepare and bake it for the best flavor. Plus, I shared tips for crispy tots and even cooking. In the end, this dish is great for gatherings or a cozy night in. Experiment with flavors and make it your own. Enjoy trying new ideas and creating your version of this casserole.

Loaded Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring ground beef, tater tots, and plenty of cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups frozen tater tots
  • 1 cup pickles, diced
  • 0.25 cup ketchup
  • 0.25 cup mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Stir in the cherry tomatoes, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • In a large baking dish, layer the beef mixture evenly at the bottom.
  • Drizzle ketchup and mustard over the beef mix, spreading it out evenly.
  • Sprinkle diced pickles over the beef mixture, adding a nice tang.
  • Generously top with frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  • Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.

Notes

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Keyword casserole, cheeseburger, comfort food, tater tots