Directions
Preparing the Filling
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Mix in Vegetables and Sauce: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix, condensed cheddar cheese soup, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook until everything is well combined and heated through.
Assembling the Casserole
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Cheese and Tater Tots: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, then arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top.
Baking
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Optional Cheese Topping: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serving
- Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole
- Even Layer of Tater Tots: Make sure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer to ensure they bake evenly and become crispy.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add your favorite burger toppings like cooked bacon, pickles, or sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Recipe Variations and Swaps
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use a vegetarian condensed cheese soup.
- Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the beef mixture for a southwest twist.