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A close-up of a cheesy tater tot casserole being served from a white ceramic baking dish. The golden-brown tater tots are topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped green onions. A white spoon is lifting a gooey, cheesy portion from the dish.

Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole

4 from 1 vote
Aliana Recipes
This Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole transforms busy weeknight dinners into pure comfort food magic. Golden crispy tots crown a layer of seasoned beef and creamy cheese sauce that brings the whole family running to the table — it's the cozy hug your dinner routine has been missing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings:8
Course:Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine:American, Comfort Food
Calories:385kcal
Cost:$12.75
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef For the meat layer
  • ⅓ cup diced yellow onion Adds flavor to beef mixture
  • ⅔ cup ketchup Creates cheeseburger flavor
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard Essential for signature taste
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish Adds tangy crunch
  • ½ teaspoon salt For beef seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons butter For cheese sauce base
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Thickens the sauce
  • 1½ cups milk Creates creamy texture
  • ¼ teaspoon salt For sauce seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground preferred
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Divided - 1½ cups for sauce
  • 32 ounces frozen tater tots Creates the signature crispy top

Equipment

  • 1 2-quart casserole dish For layering and baking the casserole
  • 1 Large skillet To brown the ground beef and onions
  • 1 Medium saucepan For making the cheese sauce
  • 1 Whisk To create smooth cheese sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook ground beef and diced onion in large skillet over medium heat until beef browns completely, then drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Spread seasoned meat mixture evenly in prepared casserole dish.
  5. In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook until golden brown.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper.
  7. Remove from heat and whisk in 1½ cups cheese until completely melted and smooth.
  8. Pour cheese sauce evenly over meat mixture, then arrange frozen tater tots in single layer on top.
  9. Bake 35 minutes, sprinkle remaining cheese over tots, then bake 5 more minutes until cheese melts and tots are golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 245gCalories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 18gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 890mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 650IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 2.1mg

Notes

The secret to perfect tater tot casserole is letting it rest for 5 minutes after baking — this allows the cheese sauce to set and prevents molten cheese burns. The combination of crispy tots and creamy layers creates the ultimate comfort food experience your family will request again and again.