by Zynah Maryam
There’s a magical transformation that happens when comfort food classic meets family favorite: the Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole. This delightful dish combines the juicy flavors of a cheeseburger with the crispy joy of tater tots, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or a cozy weekend picnic. Imagine the excitement on your loved ones’ faces when you unveil this golden, cheesy masterpiece, fresh out of the oven. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace served on a plate.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 package frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dill pickles, sliced (for garnish)
- Ketchup (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, continuing to cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the condensed cheddar cheese soup and milk, mixing until well combined.
- Spread the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese-topped beef mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with sliced dill pickles and drizzle with ketchup before serving.
Helpful Tips
To make this recipe even easier for beginners, you can use pre-minced garlic or onion flakes. For a fun twist, try adding chopped bacon or pickled jalapeños to the beef mixture. This casserole also tastes fantastic with a side of creamy coleslaw or a fresh green salad.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions as needed.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have condensed cheddar cheese soup, you can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile. Feel free to use any type of melty cheese you have on hand, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a delicious variation.
Pairings
Complement this hearty casserole with a light, refreshing drink like homemade lemonade or iced tea. A crisp cucumber salad or buttery corn on the cob also make excellent side dishes to round out your meal.
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