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Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole - recipe card
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A beloved, hearty casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, a creamy, tangy sauce, and a crispy crown of golden tater tots, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It delivers all the comforting, familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy, family-friendly baked dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cups tater tots (frozen)
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and any liquid has evaporated, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  4. Drain off most of the excess fat (leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan). This prevents the casserole from being too greasy.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and dill pickle relish. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the paste darkens and sticks to the meat slightly.
  6. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a spatula to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook until the liquid is reduced by about half, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Greek yogurt until fully incorporated. The sauce will be thick and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  9. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meat mixture. It is okay if they touch slightly, but do not pile them up too high, as they will not crisp properly.
  10. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. The tater tots will start to turn golden and the filling will be bubbly.
  11. Remove the casserole from the oven. Combine the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in a bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and golden in spots.
  12. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully so the cheese does not burn.
  13. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up and makes serving easier.
  14. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crispy again.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, family dinner, comfort food, kid-friendly, easy casserole, Pioneer Woman recipe, baked casserole

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-cheeseburger-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/