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Cheeseburger casserole in a cast iron skillet topped with crispy tater tots and fresh parsley garnish

Cheeseburger Casserole

This cheeseburger casserole combines savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots into a comforting baked dish that your family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef, 80% lean
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 4 cups frozen tater tots (about 16 ounces)
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup favorite mustard (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F and position a rack in the center.
  • Heat olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking for about 8 minutes. Stir frequently and use a wooden spoon to break the beef into crumbles. It should no longer be pink, and the onions should be translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to develop the flavors.
  • Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir constantly for about 3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  • Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir for around 2 minutes until well combined.
  • Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts into the filling, then taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
  • Spread the beef mixture evenly in the skillet and top it with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
  • Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tots, then bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with mustard on the side and enjoy!

Notes

Pro Tip: Always shred your cheese fresh! Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.