🍽️ Tater Tot Casserole with Hamburger – A Cheesy, Hearty Delight
When it comes to hearty comfort food, few dishes can rival the deliciousness of a Tater Tot Casserole with Hamburger. This meal brings together everything you love: crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce that binds it all together. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even a potluck.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an effortless meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this hamburger tater tot casserole is sure to become a favorite. The best part? It’s made with everyday pantry ingredients, so you don’t need to make a special trip to the store.
With its layers of ground beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food. And it’s as easy to make as it is delicious — even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds!
🧰 Recipe Preparation Equipment
To make this easy and cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Hamburger, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- A large skillet or sauté pan
- 9×13-inch baking dish (preferably glass or metal)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- Can opener (for canned vegetables, if using)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering during baking)
- Sharp knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables (optional)
🧾 Ingredients
This casserole uses basic ingredients that come together to create a hearty and satisfying meal:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground hamburger (or ground beef)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Optional Toppings:
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
- Extra shredded cheese (if you want an extra cheesy top)
- Sour cream (for serving)
🍳 How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Hamburger
This casserole is simple to assemble and bake, and it comes together in under an hour. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Hamburger
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground hamburger and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 7–8 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the meat.
Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Mix in the Canned Ingredients
Add the cream of mushroom soup to the beef mixture. Stir to combine. Then, add the drained corn and diced tomatoes. Mix everything together well. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
Now, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. You can place them neatly, in rows, or scatter them for a more rustic look — either way, they’ll crisp up beautifully.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
After the tater tots have cooked and the casserole is bubbling, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the tater tots. Return to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, let it rest for 5–10 minutes to set before slicing. This allows the casserole to firm up a bit, making it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired for a pop of color.
🌀 Variations
Customize your casserole to your taste with these fun and flavorful variations:
🧀 Cheesy Bacon Tater Tot Casserole
For an extra indulgent twist, add crispy bacon bits to the ground hamburger mixture, and top the casserole with extra shredded cheese and bacon before baking.
🌶️ Southwest-Style Casserole
Mix in some taco seasoning with the ground beef, and add black beans and corn to the mixture. Top with jalapeños and Monterey Jack cheese for a spicy kick!
🥦 Veggie Lovers Casserole
Add some frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli to the casserole mix for more color and nutrition.
🍄 Mushroom & Swiss Casserole
Use cream of mushroom soup and add sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture. Top with Swiss cheese for a rich and savory flavor.
📝 Cooking Note
- Tater Tot Placement: Make sure the tater tots are in a single layer on top. This helps them get crispy and golden all over. If you want extra crispy tots, you can bake them separately for 15–20 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
- Make-Ahead: You can make this casserole ahead of time. Just assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bake as directed, but add 10–15 minutes to the cook time if baking from cold.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once it’s fully assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen for 50–60 minutes, or until heated through.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
This casserole is already a filling meal, but here are some delicious side options to pair with it:
- Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with ranch dressing adds freshness and balances out the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to sop up all the cheesy goodness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted broccoli, green beans, or a medley of carrots for a nutritious side.
- Pickles or Coleslaw: Tangy pickles or a creamy coleslaw add a nice contrast to the dish’s richness.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the beef: Overcooked beef can become dry, so be sure to cook it until browned, but don’t let it sit in the pan too long after it’s done.
- Let it rest: After the casserole comes out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Add more cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t be shy with the cheese — sprinkle extra on top for that melty, gooey finish.
⭐ Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole with Hamburger
- Use high-quality beef: For the best flavor, go for 85/15 ground beef (lean with a little fat for flavor).
- Crisp the tater tots: Pre-bake them if you want a super-crispy top layer.
- Season the beef mixture: Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper — they’re essential for flavor.
- Layering is key: Spread the beef mixture evenly, then top with cheese before adding the tater tots for a balanced bite.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes into the beef mixture.
⏱️ Prep & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 50–60 minutes
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients used.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will give the casserole a lighter flavor while still being hearty.
Q: What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade white sauce if you prefer.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Fresh potatoes can be used, but you’ll need to slice and pre-bake them before adding them to the casserole.
Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
✅ Conclusion
This Tater Tot Casserole with Hamburger is a perfect blend of simplicity, comfort, and flavor. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights, family meals, and potlucks. With its savory beef, cheesy layers, and crispy tots, this casserole will become a household favorite in no time.
Give it a try, and you’ll see why this hearty meal is so beloved. And don’t forget to customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it your own!
