Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up. Drain excess grease. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Make the Cheeseburger Mixture
Stir in ketchup, mustard, and sour cream. Add soup and mix well. Cook 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer beef mixture to the prepared dish. Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Arrange tater tots on top.
5. Bake
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and casserole is bubbling. For extra crispy tots, broil for 2-3 minutes (watch carefully!).
6. Garnish & Serve
Let cool slightly. Garnish with pickles and parsley (optional). Serve warm!
Cooking Notes
- For richer flavor, use 80/20 ground beef. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
- Cheddar and mozzarella create a great melt. Experiment with other cheeses!
- Cream of mushroom works well, but cream of cheddar or chicken are also good options.
- For extra crispy tots, ensure even spacing and broil at the end.
Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture or sprinkle on top.
- Loaded: Add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- BBQ Cheeseburger: Use half BBQ sauce and half ketchup.
- Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils, and use cream of celery soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble up to the tater tots, refrigerate overnight, then bake, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze before baking, wrapped tightly in foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Can I use fresh potatoes?
Yes, but slice thinly and adjust baking time accordingly.
What to serve with it?
Enjoy this hearty casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
This Cheesy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is ultimate comfort food! Give it a try!
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