Cheesy Beef Tot Bake

This hearty Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole combines all your favorite comfort foods into one irresistible dish. The creamy beef base topped with crispy golden tater tots and melty cheese creates a meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters in my household.

I first made this casserole during a particularly busy week when I needed something that would please everyone and provide leftovers. My teenagers now request it at least twice a month and it has become our go to dish for cozy movie nights.

• Ground beef the foundation of our cheeseburger flavor use 80/20 for best flavor
• Worcestershire sauce adds that authentic burger umami flavor
• Cheddar cheese condensed soup creates the creamy base without extra work
• Sour cream adds tanginess and richness to balance the flavors
• Whole milk thins the sauce perfectly while keeping it creamy
• Bacon cooked and chopped adds smokiness and texture
• Garlic powder enhances savory notes without overpowering
• Salt and pepper basic seasonings that bring everything together
• Shredded cheddar cheese use freshly shredded for best melting
• Frozen tater tots the crispy crown of the casserole keep them frozen for best texture

How To Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Prepare the baking dish

Generously coat your 33x23 cm baking dish with nonstick spray ensuring nothing sticks during the baking process. Preheat your oven to 175°C so it's perfectly hot when your casserole is assembled.

Brown the beef

In a large skillet over medium high heat cook the ground beef breaking it up with a wooden spoon until no pink remains about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.

Season the meat

Add the Worcestershire sauce garlic powder salt and pepper to the hot beef stirring thoroughly. This step is crucial as it infuses the meat with that classic cheeseburger flavor profile before adding the creamy elements.

Create the cheese sauce

Add the cheddar cheese condensed soup sour cream milk and cooked bacon to the seasoned beef. Mix until everything is well incorporated and the mixture has a uniform creamy consistency with no streaks of sour cream visible.

Assemble the base

Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared baking dish spreading it into an even layer. Take your time here to ensure even cooking and proper distribution of flavors.

Add the tater tot topping

Spread the frozen tater tots and shredded cheese over the beef mixture. Using a spatula gently toss them together ensuring the tots get coated in some cheese while still maintaining their shape and arrangement.

Bake to perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the edges are actively bubbling and the tater tots have turned a beautiful golden brown color.

The bacon in this recipe is my secret weapon. I discovered its importance by accident when I had some leftover bacon from breakfast one day. Now I always make extra bacon when cooking breakfast just so I have some on hand for this casserole. The smokiness it adds transforms this from good to absolutely memorable.

Make It Your Own

This casserole is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your family's preferences. For a spicier version add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the beef mixture. Vegetable lovers can add diced bell peppers mushrooms or even corn. The beauty of this recipe is that it works as a template for countless variations while maintaining its comforting essence.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. When reheating individual portions use the microwave for 2 minutes on medium power. For the best texture when reheating a larger portion return it to the oven at 150°C for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal in itself but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also make excellent vegetable companions. For a true diner experience serve with dill pickle spears and small dishes of ketchup and mustard for dipping.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, spread the mixture in your baking dish, add the tater tots and cheese, then bake as directed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

→ What can I substitute for cheddar cheese condensed soup?

If you can't find cheddar cheese condensed soup, you can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup plus 1 cup of additional shredded cheddar cheese mixed into the beef mixture. This will provide similar creaminess and flavor.

→ Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Diced onions, bell peppers, or corn make great additions. Sauté any fresh vegetables with the ground beef before combining with other ingredients. For frozen vegetables, mix them in with the beef mixture before baking.

→ How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.

→ Can I make this casserole with ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a substitute for beef in this recipe. You may want to add a bit more Worcestershire sauce and seasonings as turkey has a milder flavor than beef. The cooking process remains the same.

→ Is it necessary to keep the tater tots frozen before baking?

Yes, using frozen tater tots is recommended. They maintain their shape better during baking and develop a crispier exterior. Using thawed tots can result in a mushier texture in the final dish.