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Easy Cheesy Lazy Cheeseburger Casserole with Crispy Tater Tot Crust

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A quick and satisfying casserole featuring a crispy tater tot crust and a melty cheeseburger filling, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 32 oz (900 g) frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Optional: 1/4 cup pickle slices or relish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in the tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until combined and heated through. Fold in pickles or relish if using.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cheese blend for topping.
  7. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend over the beef.
  8. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the cheese completely.
  9. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is bubbling underneath.
  10. Optional: Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end for an extra crispy crust, watching closely to avoid burning.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

To keep the tater tot crust crispy, arrange tots in a single layer and avoid stacking. Rotate the dish halfway through baking for even cooking. Rest casserole 5 minutes before serving to set. For gluten-free, check labels on tomato and Worcestershire sauces. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and olive oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, tater tot casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy casserole, lazy dinner, family meal

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