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Cheeseburger Tator Tot Casserole layered with ground beef, tots and cheese. It is a family favorite and you will love how easy it is to make.

Cheeseburger tator tot casserole in a baking dish with a serving on the spatula
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This is easy hamburger casserole and the kids go crazy over it so it is a win-win in our family. It has become a regular in the dinner rotations. This easy tator tot casserole recipe is also very versatile.

The possibilities are endless with this simple tator tot casserole recipe. It is one of my favorite ground beef recipes. You might also like our cowboy casserole, Totchos or Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole is so easy to make. You can easily jazz up this easy tator tot casserole recipe and make it your own recipe.

I love it just the way it is , but there are several different ways you can change this simple casserole and make it a completely different dinner idea. Perfect to feed a crowd or for weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Ingredients needed - ground beef, onion, ketchup, mustard, worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, tator tots, cheese

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Tator Tot Casserole Recipe

  • Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9X13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.  
  • Step 2 – Add the ground beef and diced onions to a large skillet and heat over medium high heat.  Cook, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until the beef is no longer pink.  
Cooked ground beef in a skillet with chopped onions and wooden spoon
  • Step 3 – Drain any excess grease from the pan.  
  • Step 4 – Stir the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and garlic powder into the pan and heat for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is heated through. 
Cooked ground beef in a skillet topped with ketchup, mustard and seasoning
  • Step 4 – Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.  Allow the heat from the meal to melt the cheese.  
  • Step 5 – Spread the beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 baking pan.
  • Step 6 – Place one layer of tator tots on top of the beef mixture in the pan.  
Layering ground beef mixture in a baking dish and topped with tator tots
  • Step 7 – Baked for 25 minutes uncovered.
  • Step 8 – Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted.  
  • Step 9 – Remove from the oven.  Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!  

Recipe Tips

  • Cooking Beef – This is a great recipe to prepare the ground beef ahead of time. This will save time and you can even learn How to Freeze Ground beef AFTER you brown it.
  • Baking Dish – Before layering the ingredients in the casserole dish, we recommend spraying with cooking spray. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps to serve to make sure you get all the layers.
  • Cooking Time – Cooking time will vary. Watch closely to make sure the cheese does not burn.
Cheeseburger tator tot casserole topped with melted cheese

Serving Suggestions

This casserole can be served as is, but I like to serve with a light side dish since this casserole is so hearty. Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli, Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe or a nice green salad.

Cheeseburger tatot tot casserole in a baking dish with a serving on a spatula

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Thaw Tator Tots?

There is no need to thaw the tator tots before topping the casserole. The tots will bake with the casserole in the oven.

Can I Substitute the Tator Tots for Hashbrowns?

Yes, you can substitute tator tots with hashbrowns. Cooking time may change.

How to Store Leftover Tater Tot Casserole

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Is Tator Tot Casserole Freezer Friendly?

In case you love freezer cooking this casserole is completely freezer friendly. You simply make the casserole as directed. Go ahead and add the cheddar cheese on top before cooking. Then cover with foil and freeze. When you are ready to cook, allow it to thaw completely. Then baked for 30 minutes until heated and the cheese is melted. It is that easy!

How to Reheat Leftovers

We recommend reheating the leftovers in the oven but it can also be reheated in the microwave.

More Easy Casserole Recipe

If you make this Cheeseburger Tator Tot Casserole Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you.

Cheeseburger Tator Tot Casserole Recipe

4.82 from 48 votes
Try this easy Cheeseburger Tator Tot Casserole Recipe. An Easy Tator tot Casserole recipe that is loaded with cheese and packed with flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course casserole, Main Course
Calories 698

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9X13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.  
  • Add the ground beef and diced onions to a large skillet and heat over medium high heat.  Cook, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until the beef is no longer pink.  
  • Drain any excess grease from the pan.  
  • Stir the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and garlic powder into the pan and heat for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is heated through.  
  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.  Allow the heat from the meal to melt the cheese.  
  • Spread the beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 baking pan.
  • Place one layer of tator tots on top of the beef mixture in the pan.  
  • Baked for 25 minutes uncovered.
  • Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted.  
  • Remove from the oven.  Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!  

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-6 days. 
This casserole can be made ahead of time.  Assemble the casserole but do not top with the tator tots.  Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day and then top with the tator tots before baking as written.

Nutrition Facts

Serving 8g, Calories 698kcal, Carbohydrates 37g, Protein 32g, Fat 48g, Saturated Fat 19g, Polyunsaturated Fat 5g, Monounsaturated Fat 17g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 123mg, Sodium 1243mg, Potassium 732mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 4g, Vitamin A 513IU, Vitamin C 10mg, Calcium 348mg, Iron 3mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

4.82 from 48 votes (30 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    I’m so glad they are loving it.

  2. Terry says:

    5 stars
    I have two boys that are picky eaters that don’t like vegetables and beans so this recipe popped up and I tried it and the wife loves it everyone loves it so I want to thank you for this recipe because now the boys are asking for it twice a week.

  3. Diane Barnett says:

    Thank you love the easy cheeseburger tater tots recipe.

  4. Kathryn Canty says:

    5 stars
    Delicious recipe! I love how it’s a complete dinner!

  5. Carrie says:

    This is great to hear – thank you for sharing!

  6. Delilah says:

    5 stars
    This is definitely comfort food. I only buy grounder sirloin so for fear of it being too dry I added some homemade cream of mushroom soup. Also added a can of green beans to make it a one dish meal. Not only did I have no complaints from picky eaters but everyone wanted seconds.

  7. Myla says:

    This is a great family recipe that all those picky eaters will love. It’s an easy recipe, inexpensive, & oh so yummy.

  8. Becca Tietje says:

    5 stars
    One of my favorites from my childhood! This is super easy to make and very inexpensive. You get a lot of meals out of it!

  9. Brandi Chamberlain says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a definite go to! My family kids pretty picky and they loved this!!

  10. Carrie says:

    I generally use Montreal as well but have used McCormick’s as well and I liked that too!

  11. Pam says:

    I’ve made this recipe before and it was a hit with everyone. Except my daughter thought it was too spicy, she doesn’t like pepper much. I was thinking it could have been the steak seasoning, all I had was Montreal Steak Seasoning. So tonight I am omitting that and see how it tastes. What other steak seasoning would you recommend? I love all the different ideas.. I can’t wait to try them. Thank you for everything!! ?

  12. Paula Plante says:

    I made this casserole super easy ! I put 1 can of Cambells cheddar cheese soup in the mix. Came out great ! I will be making this again ! It didn’t say in the original recipe to drain the hamburg grease but, I always do. I’m putting this in the comments so if you happen to read this you wont forget this step. 🙂

  13. tony says:

    when making this do you cook the tater tots first or put the on top of hamburger frozen

  14. Carrie says:

    Great idea – Thank you for sharing!

  15. Dorothy Weaver says:

    Add a layer of canned green beans on top of the hamburger.

  16. Carrie says:

    Great to hear! Thanks for sharing!

  17. Caela says:

    I add corn into the mixture and BBQ sauce on top at the end to my own serving! LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe!!

  18. Carrie says:

    Yes, that would work. Thanks!

  19. Carrie says:

    Tater tots are potatoes that have been grated, formed into tots and deep fried. In the USA, they are sold frozen in our grocery stores. Thank you.

  20. Carrie says:

    Yummy! Great idea with adding the mushrooms. Thank you for sharing.

  21. Beverly K York says:

    I have made this with ground chicken and cream of chicken soup, added mushrooms and onions, colby cheese and havarti. Yummy!

  22. Linda Buckingham says:

    What are Tartar Tots?

  23. Melissa says:

    Can I use hash browns instead of tater tots

  24. Carrie says:

    Yes definitely!

  25. Jill B says:

    I am not a meat eater could it be made leaving out the meat,maybe add more veggies?

  26. Carrie says:

    Awesome – Please let us know how it turns out. Thank you!

  27. Rusty Horton says:

    I’ll be making this tonight, with some changes. Since I’m a person alone, I’m cutting the recipe to 1/2 pound of burger meat, and cutting the seasonings accordingly.
    Instead of Tater tots, I’ll be using Tater Crowns (same taste, different shape) and instead of Monterey Jack cheese, I’ll be using Havarti, because that’s what I have on hand. I will add some bacon bits (real ones) at the end. I already know it’s going to be delicious. Can’t wait to prove it.

  28. Cindy G says:

    4 stars
    Making taco rice Tator tot cacastrole right now, one cant have cheese,one don’t like taco toppings, so one pan with tin foil dividers, ! Feeding 4 of us, so sour cream, onions and green peppers on the side!.for meat mixture used canned tomatoes, drained the juice out and heat it for few minutes, added minute rice to it, then once meat cooked, added taco seasonings tomatoes, and rice mixture! Thank you for the base idea…..this is great

  29. Tina Starnes says:

    5 stars
    Family with 5 kids here and I made this last night! The kids loved it! I did use hash browns instead of tater tots. It was delicious!

  30. Carrie says:

    Yum! Great idea – Thanks for sharing!

  31. Bev Ritch says:

    I did something similar, but rather than adding the mushroom soup as an alternative, I made sausage gravy and used that as the ‘glue’ to hold it together. Added tater tots, and cheese. Talk about hitting the spot!

  32. Carrie says:

    Sheila – You can divide it in half to make a smaller amount. You can freeze smaller amounts and defrost at a later time for individual meals.

  33. Sheila Hoffman says:

    5 stars
    I live on my own and was wondering if the recipe can be made in half. Or can I divide the big pan into smaller containers and freeze and then take out and cook.

  34. Sarah says:

    4 stars
    Definitely making this tonight! Adding tator tots to the bottom to make more filling I have 8 mouths to feed. Lol Please email me recipe. Thank you sounds delicious.

  35. Wendy D says:

    4 stars
    Thank you so much for all your advice and posting this recipe in the first place, Carrie. We had leftovers today, and I thought it was perfect that way. No issues like I noticed before. Will make it again and experiment as you suggested. Will also try your three ingredient Sloppy Joes soon! Need all the help I can get!

  36. Carrie says:

    Wendy – Maybe try to add a can of mushroom soup to the meat mixture. That would make the casserole more creamy. Also, definitely cook it a bit longer so that the tots are cooked through. Thank you!

  37. Wendy D says:

    4 stars
    My husband liked it, me, not as much. I felt the hamburger was dry. Was that because I drained it? Should I not drain it? Also the tots were undercooked. I don’t mind them soft, but they were not warm inside. Suggestions for a remake?

  38. Carrie says:

    Wendy – If there is extra grease, I would drain it after the onions are added in. I like the onions to cook in the grease! If you use lean beef or ground turkey/chicken, you may not need to drain it. Thank you!

  39. Wendy D says:

    Do you drain the beef at any time? if so, before or after adding the onions, or both times?

  40. Herbert says:

    5 stars
    This was very delicious the whole family loved it

  41. Geneva Hopper says:

    5 stars
    Please email me the recipes.

  42. Carrie says:

    I always use them frozen ,

  43. Kylie says:

    I’m sorry this may be a stupid question but the tots should be frozen not defrosted correct?

  44. Tyra W says:

    Making it for our Super Bowl party right now!! We used Habanero Monterey Jack cheese for added heat. Can’t wait to try it

  45. Carrie says:

    I’m so glad you loved it!

  46. Jane white says:

    5 stars
    Whole family enjoyed . Have a handicapped brother that is a picky eater and he enjoyed it so much he asked for seconds thanks jane

  47. Jane says:

    Whole family enjoyed it have handicapped brother that is picky and he asked for seconds great meal and cheap

  48. JanL says:

    Made this tonight. I added mushrooms and rotel tomatoe to the meat. We really enjoyed this and it was so easy to make. Thanks! I served it with a green salad with tomatoes, and it was a perfect lazy Friday night meal.

  49. Kaye says:

    4 stars
    Easy to make. Taste has yet to be determined. Looks and smells wonderful. Did not change recipe at all.

  50. Carrie says:

    I don’t think you would need to expand the cooking time at all, but I think it would definitely work! Great idea to stretch the money. 🙂

  51. Carrie says:

    That is a great idea! Thanks for the suggestions.

  52. Rejai says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious…..I mixed sour cream into the meat mixture and used ground turkey instead of ground beef. The entire pan was pretty much emptied….a great dish for kids. We served it with an amazing salad on the side.

  53. Michele Kelly says:

    4 stars
    Love this recipe and very easy. I used Worcester Pub Burger seasoning and added 1/3 cup of ketchup and 1 T of prepared mustard. Probably could reduce amount of Worcester sauce when using that particular seasoning. Very yummy!

  54. Cyndi says:

    5 stars
    Do you think putting another layer of tots on the bottom would work too? Would it add to the cooking time? I have a teenage son and a husband… trying to expand meals is an art form in my house, lol. Tots are the cheap element so I just wondered if it was plausible. Thank you for your time, AND the recipe. 🙂