Best Cheesy Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
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Simply the best Cheesy Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole recipe! With melty cheese, sour cream, green beans, corn, and tater tots, it’s like a cheeseburger in casserole form, comfort food at its best. It’s naturally gluten-free too!
Add this easy and delicious casserole to your rotating meals for busy weeknights. It’s a lifesaver for families often on the go with active, busy schedules. The whole family will love it! Your kids will clean their plates, the picky teens will ask for more, and the adults will beg for the recipe.
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, feel free to click “Jump to Recipe” right under the title of this post, and you’ll head straight there!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser – This tater tot casserole with veggies, is a family favorite! But great for potlucks too!
- Easy Meal – Casseroles are perfect for a quick, mindless, easy weeknight meal.
- Make Ahead – Another major perk of casseroles is that you can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or even the freezer!
Simple Ingredients Tater Tot Casserole with Corn
Ingredients, directions and nutritional information in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.
- Ground Beef | I prefer lean ground beef for this burger-style casserole, but ground turkey or chicken can also work. Adjust seasonings accordingly as they have less fat and flavor.
- Onion and Garlic | Finely minced sweet yellow onion and a couple of minced garlic cloves are perfect for adding more depth to the flavor of this tasty casserole. If necessary, replace the fresh garlic with 1 tsp of garlic powder and the yellow onion with 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
- Worcestershire Sauce | A spoonful of Worcestershire sauce will boost the flavors immensely!
- Salt and pepper | Season the beef with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Green Beans and Corn | Add green beans and corn, fiber, and veggies to the casserole.
- Sour cream | Add tangy and creamy notes with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup | Used as the base of the creamy casserole sauce. I used organic, cream of mushroom, you could also use cream of chicken or cream of celery.
- Cheddar Cheese | This recipe wouldn’t be the same without shredded cheddar cheese! Freshly grated cheese is best because it melts better and tastes more authentic.
- Tater tots | Finally, you’ll need a bag of frozen tater tots. Again, I chose the organic option.
How to Make This Recipe for Tater Tot Casserole with Sour Cream
Step 1 | Prep and Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by preheating the oven to 375° F (190° C) and lightly greasing a 2-quart casserole or 9×9-inch baking dish with spray oil.
Next, set a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, drain excess grease.
Scoot the meat to the side of the skillet and add the onions. Sauté them for a little while, then add the beef back into the mix, cooking for 3 to 5 more minutes until golden and translucent.
Then, stir in the minced garlic until it’s fragrant, about one minute.
Step 2 | Begin Layering
Next, add Worcestershire sauce and season the beef with kosher salt and pepper, sprinkling on ½ teaspoon each, tasting and adjusting spices if needed.
Now, the hamburger meat is complete! Scoop the ground beef mixture into the baking dish, using the back of a spoon to smooth into an even layer.
Mix cream of mushroom soup and sour cream in a medium bowl until they are smooth and thoroughly combined. Spread the sauce over the top of the beef mixture in a single layer.
Step 3 | Add the Veggie & Cheese Layer
Next, add the (drained) canned corn and green beans, seasoning the green beans with a little sea salt and pepper.
Finish by evenly sprinkling the cheddar cheese over the green bean layer and top with the tater tots, keeping them nice and snug.
Slip the dish into the 375° F (190° C) hot oven and bake for 35 to 50 minutes until the casserole bubbles and the tater tots turn golden brown.
If desired, reserve ¼ to ½ cup of shredded cheese and sprinkle over the tater tots for the last 5 minutes of baking. You could add some extra cheese rather than take from what’s in the casserole.
And that’s it! It doesn’t get much easier than that. Enjoy this cheesy goodness!
Fresh Tips
- Add canned or frozen peas, carrots, or virtually any other canned veggie in place of or in addition to the green beans and corn.
- Before removing the cheeseburger casserole from the oven, turn the broil setting on for extra crispy tots.
- Use a blend of your favorite cheeses for a more complex flavor. Consider using a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, provolone, pepper jack and cheddar jack.
Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food that makes life easier. This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is like one giant hug and can be made with leftover holiday turkey or chicken! Also, check out my Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe, all made in the slow cooker.
Or, for something with a bit of heat, try this Easy Hatch Green Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe fit for any meal- breakfast, lunch, or dinner! My simple and low-carb Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole is a great one-skillet meal leaving you guilt-free!
Variations & Substitutions
More Flavor: Add more flavor to this hearty casserole by sprinkling up to 1 teaspoon of chili powder or your favorite taco seasoning when browning the ground beef.
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole: Crisp up 3 to 5 pieces of bacon and break them into bacon bits. Then, add them to the top of the tater tot casserole with a little shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Not a Fan of Mushrooms? : Use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom soup.
How to Make Gluten-Free Tator Tot Casserole
This casserole is naturally gluten-free, but here are some tips to ensure it stays that way!
- Double-check your spices, Worcestershire sauce and soup to make sure they are gluten-free. I use Lee & Perrins Worcestershire sauce as it’s naturally gluten-free.
- Grate your cheese | Pre-shredded or grated cheese is the number one hider of gluten in the additives used to preserve the cheese.
Recommended Tools
- Large skillet – I love my cast iron skillets, like this Lodge and this larger Staub cast iron Everyday Skillet
- Casserole Dish – This casserole dish set I use often!
Tips for Two
Cut all the ingredients in half or fourths, or refrigerate the leftovers, using the slider on the recipe card under SERVINGS. This dish is almost better the next day! Or, my preference, get a little meal prep done, prepare this delicious casserole as described, divide it into individual servings, and freeze it for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s normal for your casserole to have a little more liquid when it comes out of the oven. If it doesn’t thicken as it cools, your ground beef may have been a little greasy, or perhaps you needed to drain the canned veggies better.
This recipe goes by several names – Perhaps you’ve heard it called by one or multiple titles, like cowboy casserole, tater tot hotdish, or cheeseburger tater tot casserole.
Sure! If you prefer frozen over canned, swap the canned beans and corn for bags of frozen veggies. You could even use a bag of mixed vegetables for more variety. I recommend baking the casserole a little longer than directed or allowing the frozen veggies to thaw before adding them.
More than likely, if you grew up in a midwestern state, hamburger tater tot casserole or a similar variation was frequently served at home. It’s Western comfort food, sometimes referred to as cowboy casserole!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate – Tightly cover the baked and cooled casserole with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator; it will last 4-6 days.
Freeze – To freeze cheesy hamburger tater tot casserole, let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label the package with the name and date before placing it in the freezer. Or place in airtight individual meal prep containers.
Reheat – When ready to reheat and serve the casserole, remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Reheat from Frozen | Recover with aluminum foil and bake the casserole in the oven at 350° F (177° C) for 45-60 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Remove aluminum foil last 10-15 minutes of baking for crisper tater tots.
- Reheat from Thawed | Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat the casserole, uncovered in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes or until heated.
Microwave – Not my favorite way; you may also microwave casserole portions, place a paper towel to prevent splatter, and heat in 30-60 second intervals at 80% power until hot. The tater tots will be mushy; crisp them in an oven-safe dish at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Can you freeze leftover tater tot casserole?
Yes, you can freeze leftover cheesy hamburger tater tot casserole. Make sure that the casserole has cooled to room temperature before freezing it.
To freeze, transfer the leftover casserole to an airtight container or a freezer-safe resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Don’t forget to label the container or bag with the name and date, then place it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat the casserole in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
What to Serve with Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole
Be sure to bake the casserole for the time suggested so the cheese is nice and melty, the casserole is heated through and the tots are crisp!
Best Side Dishes for Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
If you’re trying to balance out this cheesy tater tot oven bake, serve it with these Southern-Style green beans. Another fantastic side of this hamburger casserole is my backyard BBQ-worthy, sweet, spicy Cowboy Baked Beans!
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Beautifully seasoned and oven roasted to perfection, these healthy crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli recipe is a game-changer for weeknight meals. The prep is quick, and it only takes about 30 minutes for the veggies to roast.
Best Desserts to Serve with Tater Tot Casserole with Corn
What comes to mind when you think of the best dessert for burgers and tater tots from your favorite fast food restaurant? Ice Cream! Try my homemade vanilla bean ice cream for a refreshing finish to an incredible meal. But I bet you won’t be able to resist my rich Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream with bits of freshly-baked fudge brownie!
Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
This classic Crumbl chocolate chip cookie recipe is a perfect copycat of the real thing. Just as thick, just as big (with option to make smaller) and just as chewy and soft. Packed with milk chocolate chips, this no chill copycat Crumbl cookie recipe will become a family favorite.
Easy Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe (no eggs)
Five ingredients — that's it, just five simple and basic ingredients to this AMAZING, creamy, no-cook, old-fashioned homemade chocolate ice cream, no eggs! Keep it basic or get creative with your mix-ins, regardless this is an amazing ice cream.
More Hamburger-Inspired Recipes
- Bison Burger Recipe with Caramelized Onions
- Healthy Cheeseburger Soup
- The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Easy Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
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Best Cheesy Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Meat Chopper Hamburger Chopper
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef, or ground chicken or turkey
- 1/2 medium sweet onion, diced finely, or 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, gluten-free if needed
- ½-1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½-1 teaspoon black pepper
- 14.5 ounce canned green beans, drained
- 10-14.5 ounce canned corn, drained
- 1/3 cup sour cream, or Greek yogurt
- 10.5 ounce cream of mushroom soup, or cream of chicken or cream of celery, I used organic
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, reserve ½ cup for topping if desired
- 2 cups tater tots, frozen, I like organic
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 375° F (190° C) and lightly greasing a 2-quart casserole or 9×9-inch baking dish with spray oil. set a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, drain excess grease.
- Scoot the meat to the side of the skillet and add the onions. Sauté them for a little while, then add the beef back into the mix, cooking for 3 to 5 more minutes until golden and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic until it's fragrant, about one minute.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and season the beef with kosher salt and pepper, sprinkling on ½ teaspoon each, tasting and adjusting spices if needed. Scoop the ground beef mixture into the baking dish, using the back of a spoon to smooth into an even layer.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup and sour cream in a medium bowl until they are smooth and thoroughly combined. Spread the sauce over the top of the beef mixture in a single layer.
- Next, add the (drained) canned corn and green beans, seasoning the green beans with a bit of sea salt and pepper.
- Finish by evenly sprinkling the cheddar cheese over the green bean layer and top with the tater tots, keeping them nice and snug. If desired, reserve ¼ to ½ cup of shredded cheese and sprinkle over the tater tots for the last 5 minutes of baking. You could add some extra cheese rather than take from what's in the casserole.
- Bake at 375° F (190° C) hot oven and bake for 35 to 50 minutes until the casserole bubbles and the tater tots turn golden brown.
✱ Kathleen’s Tips
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole: Crisp up 3 to 5 pieces of bacon and break them into bacon bits. Then, add them to the top of the tater tot casserole with a bit of shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Use cream of chicken soup or celery soup instead of mushroom soup. How to Make Gluten-Free Tator Tot Casserole
- Double-check your spices, Worcestershire sauce, and soup to ensure they are gluten-free. I use Lee & Perrins Worcestershire sauce as it’s naturally gluten-free.
- Grate your cheese | Pre-shredded or grated cheese is the number one hider of gluten in the additives used to preserve the cheese.
- Refrigerate – Tightly cover the baked and cooled casserole with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator; it will last 4-6 days.
- Freeze – Cool to room temperature. Then, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label the package with the name and date before placing it in the freezer. Or place in airtight individual meal prep containers.
- Reheat – When ready to reheat the casserole, remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- From Frozen | Recover with aluminum foil and bake the casserole in the oven at 350° F (177° C) for 45-60 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Remove aluminum foil last 10-15 minutes of baking for crisper tater tots.
- From Thawed | Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat the casserole, uncovered in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes or until heated.
- Microwave – Microwave casserole portions, place a paper towel to prevent splatter, and heat in 30-60 second intervals at 80% power until hot. The tater tots will be mushy; crisp them in an oven-safe dish at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Fresh Cooky is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
About Kathleen Pope
Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer
Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.
Sounds like a fantastic dinner recipe to me! I always have leftovers, thanks for sharing such wonderful storage tips!
Hope you love it!
What a great comfort food meal! I love that you used both corn and green beans. With all that cheese, I bet it’s delicious.
It’s delicious!!
This is my family’s favorite casserole. I haven’t ever put sour cream in it though, so next time I’m going to try it! Thanks for the great idea!
Hope you enjoy!!
This is a family favorite that we make again and again! Easy and totally kid friendly!
Love it, thanks Michelle!
This was really tasty. The whole family loved it!
So glad to hear, Kristen!
I left out the green beans and corn and topped it with tomatoes with pickles on the side and my family gobbled it up! thank you for always making dinner easy and delicious!
I love your personal tweaks to make it yours, Tasia!