Savory Cheeseburger Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Welcome to the world of comfort food at its finest with our Savory Cheeseburger Casserole! This delightful dish combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy, shareable meal perfect for any weeknight dinner. It's simple, satisfying, and sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients for Savory Cheeseburger Casserole

Ground beef forms the hearty base of this casserole, providing that unmistakable burger taste. Onion and garlic are sautéed to add depth of flavor. A blend of ketchup and mustard gives the beef a tangy, savory kick. Shredded cheddar cheese melts over the top, bringing that classic cheeseburger element. Tater tots serve as the crispy topping, offering a delightful texture contrast. Pickles deliver a sharp, tangy bite, and a drizzle of mayonnaise adds creaminess to finish. Don't forget the salt and pepper for seasoning, and a bit of olive oil for sautéing.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
  • Use a high-quality cheddar for the best taste and meltability.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños along with the pickles.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad to balance the richness. A crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would complement it well. For a heartier meal, serve alongside steamed veggies or roasted potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to a day before assembling and baking.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
While tater tots are recommended for their crispy texture, you can use sliced or diced potatoes. Just par-cook them first.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Indeed! You can freeze the baked casserole for up to three months. Just reheat it in the oven until warmed through.

Savory Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. You'll want to sauté these until they're soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Once the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat from the pan.

Now, stir in the ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so that the flavors meld together nicely. Once that's done, transfer the beef mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, making sure it's evenly distributed. Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Take it out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped pickles over the top. Finally, drizzle with mayonnaise before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger into a convenient casserole form.
  • Quick and easy preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Minimal cleanup with just one main baking dish involved.
  • Customizable toppings allow you to make it your own.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
2 tbsp mustard
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups frozen tater tots
1/2 cup chopped pickles
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened.
3. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Transfer the beef mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
6. Layer shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
7. Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
9. Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped pickles over the top, and drizzle with mayonnaise before serving.

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