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Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
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Some recipes take you right back to family game nights and cozy Sunday dinners. This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is one of those dishes—rich, hearty, and bubbling with cheesy goodness. Inspired by the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, it’s the perfect meal to gather around during the Super Bowl or any family get-together. Give it a try, and let it warm hearts just like it warms bellies!

Ingredients

Scale

Bottom Layer:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1/2 large onion, diced

  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 1 cup half and half

  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Top Layer:

  • 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese

  • 32 oz frozen tater tots

  • Sour cream, wild cherry tomatoes & green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.

  • In a cast iron skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent (about 3 minutes).

  • Add ground beef, garlic, and taco seasoning. Cook until browned.

  • Mix in tomato paste and cornstarch. Stir well.

  • Add half and half, tomato sauce, salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thick.

  • Remove from heat. Sprinkle cheese evenly.

  • Arrange tater tots in neat circles over the cheese.

  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until tots are golden and cheese is melted.

  • Top with sour cream, cherry tomatoes, and green onions. Serve hot!

Notes

  • Use a cast iron skillet – It keeps everything hot and bubbly, and goes straight from stovetop to oven. Less cleanup, more flavor!

  • Drain excess fat – If your beef releases a lot of grease, drain it before adding the tomato paste for a cleaner taste.

  • Customize the spice – Skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version, or add diced jalapeños if you love a little heat.

  • Extra crispy tots? – Place them on top in a single layer and don’t overcrowd. For ultimate crunch, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

  • Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, refrigerate, then bake fresh before serving.

  • Garnish generously – The sour cream, cherry tomatoes, and green onions aren’t just pretty—they add coolness and fresh bite!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.gernarb.com/cheeseburger-tater-tot-casserole-the-ultimate-comfort-food-recipe/