Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Introduction: Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that takes all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger and transforms them into a cozy, oven-baked casserole. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners, offering the satisfying taste of a cheeseburger without the need for grilling or making individual patties. With layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a creamy, savory sauce, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
This recipe is a combination of crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese—plus all the toppings you love on a burger. The result is a flavor-packed casserole that is as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a large family or craving a quick comfort meal, Cheeseburger Casserole is the answer!
Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
1 small onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for added sweetness)
1 cup beef broth (or water)
1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (you can use a mix of cheddar and American cheese if you prefer)
For the Casserole Layers:
1 bag (about 28 oz) frozen tater tots
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
1/2 cup sliced pickles (optional, for added burger flavor)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Sauce (optional but adds a nice richness):
1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
A pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and reaches a crispy, golden top.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Make sure to drain off any excess fat from the cooked beef.
Add the Onions and Garlic: Once the beef is cooked, add the diced onions and garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent.
Season the Beef: Season the beef and onions with salt, pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup (if using). Stir to incorporate the seasoning evenly into the mixture. Let it cook for another 2 minutes. This will help to deepen the flavors of the beef filling.
Make the Beef Gravy: Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. This helps to thicken the sauce and gives the casserole a nice creamy texture. Pour in the beef broth (or water), stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes, until it thickens into a nice gravy-like consistency. If you want a creamier filling, you can add a bit of milk or cream here as well.
Add the Shredded Cheese: Once the beef mixture is thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and combines smoothly into the mixture. The cheese adds richness and that signature cheeseburger flavor to the casserole. Set the beef mixture aside.
Prepare the Casserole Dish: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spray the bottom and sides lightly with cooking spray or grease with butter to prevent sticking. Then, spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the dish. These will form the base of your casserole, giving it a crispy texture once baked.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture over the tater tots, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover all the tots. The beef mixture should be spread out so that every bite contains both the beef and the potatoes.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture. This will create a cheesy, bubbly crust as the casserole bakes. You can also add a few extra tater tots around the edges of the casserole if you want an extra crispy topping.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. If you like your tater tots extra crispy, you can place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, but be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.
Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. This will allow the filling to set and make it easier to cut and serve. If desired, garnish the top with sliced pickles for an authentic cheeseburger touch. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the casserole with a side of your favorite burger toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, and more pickles.
Additional Tips and Variations:
Make it Spicy: For a spicy kick, you can add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture, or mix in a teaspoon of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes. This will add a bit of heat, much like a spicy cheeseburger!
Add Bacon: To enhance the flavor, consider adding crumbled cooked bacon to the beef mixture. Bacon pairs perfectly with the cheeseburger theme and adds a smoky, savory element to the casserole.
Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or crumbled tofu. You can also use lentils or black beans as a substitute for a hearty, meatless filling.
Use Different Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in this recipe. American cheese, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese can be used for variations in flavor and texture. You can also mix multiple cheeses to create a melty, gooey combination.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, simply remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, and bake as usual. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the instructions.
Conclusion:
Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of a cheeseburger in one pan. With its crispy tater tot crust, flavorful beef filling, and gooey cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making a simple dinner for your family. Whether you follow the classic recipe or get creative with additional toppings and ingredients, this casserole is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Enjoy!