Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

By Rachel Cooks

Ingredients

1 cup milk ((whole milk or 2% works best))
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons sweet or dill pickle relish
1 pound lean ground beef ((I use 93/7))
½ cup diced yellow onion ((1 small onion))
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, burger sauce

Prep Time15mins
Cook Time60mins
Servings8

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

In a measuring cup or bowl, whisk together milk, ketchup, mustard, relish. Set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, salt and pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until it's no longer pink, and onions are softened.

Reduce heat to medium, and stir in butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, or until butter melts. Add flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly add milk mixture while stirring. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese until melted. Remove from heat.

Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Arrange frozen tater tots in an even layer over the top. Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese, and bake for 15 more minutes, until cheese is melted and tater tots are golden and crispy.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or Big Mac sauce if desired.