Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
8
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Course
Dinner
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Description
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole features a savory beef and onion mixture seasoned with ketchup, mustard, and dill relish, creating a tangy and slightly sweet foundation. The cheese sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar adds a smooth, rich layer that complements the seasoned meat. Topped with frozen tater tots arranged in an even layer, the casserole bakes in the oven until the tots form a crisp golden crust and the sauce is bubbling. The combination results in a hearty, layered dish where the soft beef and creamy sauce balance the crispy potato topping.
Serving this casserole is straightforward; it works well as a main dish for a family dinner or casual gathering. Its substantial ingredients and textures make it filling and suitable for colder days when comfort food is welcome. Doubling the recipe can accommodate larger groups.
For convenience, the beef mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to one day before baking. Add the tater tots just before baking to keep them crisp. Adjust seasoning after cooking the beef to suit your taste. This recipe scales well for larger portions and can be made in bigger casserole dishes as needed.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- ⅓ cup yellow onion diced, or sweet onion
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons dill relish or sweet pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the cheese sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 cups cheddar cheese divided, shredded
For the topping:
- 32 ounces tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish, or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef and onion stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, relish and ½ teaspoon salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Spoon mixture into prepared casserole dish and smooth into an even layer.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter completely. Slowly whisk in the flour until smooth. Continue to whisk while cooking the roux until it is golden brown.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, taking care to fully incorporate it with the roux. Keep whisking until the sauce is thick and bubbling; about 5 minutes. Stir in ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Remove the pan from heat and whisk in 1 1/2 cups of cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Evenly pour the sauce over the meat mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the cheese sauce. You may have extra tots.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- If desired, sprinkle with fresh Italian parsley just before serving.
Notes
- You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate without tater tots, and add them just before baking.
- This recipe can be doubled easily by using a larger or second casserole dish.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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