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Tater Tots Casserole Hamburger Recipe

Name: Tater Tots Casserole Hamburger Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 Hamburger Patties; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1½ cup sour cream; 1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 bag frozen tater tots; ½ cup shredded cheese

April 17, 2025

Difficulty: Beginner

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Hamburger tater tot casserole

There’s something about a tater tots casserole that just brings everyone to the table—maybe it’s the crispy golden top, the creamy center, or the fact that it feels like something your mom would have made on a cold weeknight after soccer practice. This Tater Tots Casserole Hamburger Recipe is the one I reach for when I want comfort, ease, and guaranteed clean plates. It’s warm, nostalgic, and unfussy in the best way.

This casserole showed up a lot in my childhood kitchen. My mom called it “hotdish,” which I later learned was a very Midwestern thing. Her version always started with ground beef, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and a bag of tater tots tossed on top like a crown. Over the years, I’ve played with the original, adding vegetables, switching up the sauce, even layering in cheese and I’ve landed on a version that still feels like home but a little more rounded-out flavor-wise.

It’s still just as easy. Just one skillet and one casserole dish, and dinner’s done.

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Tater Tots Casserole

Here’s a look at what goes into this cozy casserole, along with a few notes in case you need to swap or tweak.

For the Filling:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
The heart of this recipe. The fat content keeps things juicy and flavorful. You can use lean beef if you prefer, or even swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. OR 4 regular hamburger patties
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
Adds a sweet, savory base. Don’t skip this—it really lifts the flavor of the beef.
2 garlic cloves, minced
Just enough to give a deeper flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch (use 1 teaspoon).
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
This is classic for a reason. It binds the filling with creamy richness. If you’re not a mushroom fan, cream of chicken or cheddar soup works, too.
½ cup sour cream
Adds tang and a little luxury to the texture. Greek yogurt also works beautifully.
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
Adds a bit of color and makes this feel more like a full meal. Use whatever frozen veggies you like.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
For that melty goodness. Sharp cheddar adds punch, but any cheese you like will do—Monterey Jack, Colby, even pepper jack.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Season as you go—especially the beef—so the flavor builds with each layer.

For the Topping:

1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
The star of the show. No need to thaw them—just layer straight from the freezer.
½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
A sprinkle of cheese on top helps the tots get even crispier and adds that golden finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions To Make This Tater Tots Casserole

This recipe comes together quickly. Here’s how to make it with confidence.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking pan with a bit of butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Drain any excess grease.

If using hamburger patties:

Raw patties: Break them into chunks before adding to the skillet, then cook like ground beef.
Pre-cooked patties: Chop into ½-inch pieces and sauté with onion and garlic until just warmed through and onions are softened—about 5–6 minutes.

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip: Letting the onions cook a little longer (until they’re lightly golden) brings out natural sweetness and depth.

Step 3: Mix in the Sauce and Veggies

Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, frozen vegetables, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix well until everything is coated and combined. Let it simmer on low for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with a single layer of frozen tater tots—snug but not overlapping too much.

If you like things extra cheesy, sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded cheese over the tots.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. If they look pale at the 30-minute mark, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep an eye on it.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and keeps you from burning your tongue on molten cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole (Besides the Obvious)

One-dish wonder: Minimal cleanup and prep.
Kid-approved: There’s something magical about crispy tots that gets even picky eaters excited.
Comfort in a pan: Creamy, savory, and cheesy—hits all the right notes.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with what you have on hand.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up small bits of vegetables or leftover ground meat from other meals.

Variations and Add-Ons

Here are some fun ways to tweak the recipe depending on your mood or pantry:

Tex-Mex Style: Add 1 teaspoon taco seasoning to the beef, swap in black beans for some of the veggies, and top with pepper jack cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Breakfast-for-Dinner: Mix in scrambled eggs with the beef mixture and use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef. Top with cheese and tots for a hearty morning-style twist.
Bacon Lover’s Edition: Stir in chopped cooked bacon or sprinkle it on top before baking for a smoky, crispy upgrade.
Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based meat crumbles and a vegetarian soup. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To make ahead: Assemble the casserole (minus the tots) a day in advance and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, add the tots and cook as directed.
To freeze: Assemble the whole casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for about 60 minutes, or until heated through and the tots are crispy.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the tots crisp.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to be a full meal, but here are a few easy pairings if you want to stretch it:

Crisp green salad: A little vinaigrette and something bitter (like arugula) balances out the richness.
Steamed green beans or broccoli: Simple sides that add color and crunch.
Pickles or sauerkraut: Something acidic to cut the creaminess—trust me, it works.

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tots Casserole Hamburger Recipe is one of those meals that quietly earns its place in your regular rotation. It’s warm, familiar, and somehow always what you’re craving. Whether you’re feeding kids, sharing with friends, or just want a low-effort dinner that doesn’t skimp on comfort, this dish delivers.

It’s the kind of thing I love making when I want to feel connected to the simpler recipes I grew up with—but with just enough tweaks to make it feel like mine.

If you try it, I’d love to hear what twist you put on it.