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Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
4.5 from 1,173 votes

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

This recipe combines ground beef cooked with onion, ketchup, mustard, and relish to create a cheeseburger-flavored base topped with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce and crispy tater tots. The casserole layers these components in a baking dish and bakes until the tots are golden and the cheese sauce is bubbly, offering a comforting mix of textures and familiar American diner flavors.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish, or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef and onion stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in 1 1/2 cups of cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Evenly pour the sauce over the meat mixture.
  8. Arrange the frozen tater tots  in an even layer over the cheese sauce. You may have extra tots.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.