– **Title**: Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup pickles, chopped (optional)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
– 1 cup milk
– 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– Additional cheese for topping (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk until well combined. If using, mix in the chopped pickles and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly.
5. Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single even layer.
6. Drizzle the ketchup over the tater tots and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
8. Optionally, sprinkle additional cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra cheesiness.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the classic choice here, bringing great flavor. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. I often mix in some Italian sausage for extra flavor!
Onion and Garlic: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out of onions, try shallots. Garlic can be swapped with garlic powder—1/8 teaspoon equals a clove, but fresh always packs a punch!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess. If you prefer homemade, mix sautéed mushrooms with heavy cream or use a can of cream of chicken soup. There’s also gluten-free options available!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar provides that classic cheeseburger flavor. Feel free to substitute with pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. I like to mix cheeses for more complexity!
Tater Tots: These are essential for that crispy topping. If you can’t find them, try frozen hash browns or homemade potato wedges. Just ensure they bake until golden and crispy!
How Do I Cook the Ground Beef Just Right?
Cooking ground beef can be tricky if you want it perfectly browned without being greasy. Start by heating your skillet over medium heat before adding the beef. This helps it cook evenly.
- Use a spatula to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks. This increases surface area for even browning.
- Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep your casserole from being too oily.
- Cook until there’s just a hint of pink left for juicy meat, not dry!
How to Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In just a little over 35 minutes, you’ll have a warm and hearty dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and get nice and crispy!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned all over. When it’s done, drain any excessive grease from the skillet, so your casserole isn’t too oily.
3. Add Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté everything together for about 3-5 minutes until the onion turns translucent and soft. Your kitchen will start to smell great!
4. Mix in Soup and Seasonings:
Now it’s time to stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, then remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Take a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. This will be the hearty base for your casserole!
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Cheese makes everything better, right?
7. Top with Tater Tots:
Finally, take the frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer on top of the cheese. This will give your casserole that crispy topping we all love!
8. Bake:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the tater tots to turn golden brown and crispy on top. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once finished, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch and enjoy your delicious Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for beef in this recipe. Just make sure to cook them until they are fully browned and no longer pink in the center. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but you can enhance it with additional spices if desired.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version by mixing equal parts of heavy cream and chicken broth with some sautéed mushrooms and seasoning. This way, you still get that creamy texture without the canned soup!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 5-10 more minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
