Description

All the craveable flavors of a classic cheeseburger baked into a creamy, crispy Tater Tot casserole. Kid-friendly, weeknight-easy, and wildly cozy.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup beef broth

1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup chopped dill pickles (optional but delish)

1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbles (optional)

32 ounces frozen Tater Tots

2 green onions, thinly sliced (garnish)

Sesame seeds (optional, for burger vibes)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, 6–7 minutes, breaking it up. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add onion and cook until translucent, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.

4. Stir in Worcestershire, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle flour over beef and cook 1 minute.

5. Whisk in beef broth and half-and-half. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy.

6. Off heat, fold in 1 1/2 cups cheddar, pickles, and bacon (if using). Spread mixture into the baking dish.

7. Top evenly with Tater Tots. Bake 30–35 minutes until tots are deep golden and crisp.

8. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top; bake 2 minutes to melt. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Rest 5 minutes; serve warm.

Notes

Use 85% lean beef for best flavor. Keep tots frozen for extra crunch. Broil 1–2 minutes at the end if needed. Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add 5–10 minutes to bake time.