Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
This hearty comfort food casserole layers seasoned ground beef in a tangy sauce beneath crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, the dish combines classic cheeseburger flavors with the convenience of a one-pan meal. The beef mixture gets extra flavor from Worcestershire sauce and yellow mustard, while two layers of cheese create an irresistibly gooey texture that makes this a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef, lean
- ½ onion, chopped
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons Yellow Mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 bag Frozen Tator Tots, 32 ounces
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
- 2
Add ground beef and diced onions to a large skillet and heat over medium high heat
- 3
Cook, breaking up beef as it cooks, until beef is no longer pink
- 4
Drain any excess grease from the pan
- 5
Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and garlic powder and heat for 3-4 minutes until sauce is heated through
- 6
Remove pan from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, allowing heat to melt the cheese
- 7
Spread beef mixture into bottom of prepared baking pan
- 8
Place one layer of tater tots on top of beef mixture
- 9
Bake for 25 minutes uncovered
- 10
Sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted
- 11
Remove from oven and let casserole sit for 10-15 minutes before serving
Tips
Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease that needs draining from the pan.
Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set up and make serving easier.
For extra crispy tater tots, arrange them in a single layer without overlapping.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in covered container
Assemble casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate, add 10 minutes to baking time
Serve hot with pickles, lettuce, and tomato to complete the cheeseburger theme
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining grease to avoid greasy casserole
Let casserole rest before serving to avoid messy portions
Substitutions
Use frozen shredded hash browns
FAQ
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, use thinly sliced or diced potatoes, but increase baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure they cook through completely.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or whole casserole in 350F oven.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze assembled unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed.