Irresistible One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe

The aroma of sizzling beef mingled with crispy tater tots creates an irresistible symphony that dances through your kitchen. One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food that promises to deliver joy in every bite.

Imagine gathering around the table, laughter echoing as you dig into this cheesy, savory delight. It’s perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you need a warm hug from your dinner plate. The anticipation builds as you prepare this dish, knowing that an explosion of flavor awaits you.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my kids’ eyes lit up like Christmas morning. They couldn’t get enough of it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without compromising on flavor.
• Frozen Tater Tots: These little gems offer texture and convenience, perfect for busy nights.
• Pasta: Any short pasta works well; just make sure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to enhance the cheesiness and flavor profile.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to your dish.
• Garlic Powder: This seasoning simplifies the cooking process while ensuring robust flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while adding moisture.
• Ketchup and Mustard: These classic condiments bring that burger flavor right to your plate.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta

Cook the Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onions, cooking until browned and fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary; your goal is tender meat with sweet onions.

Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard along with chicken broth. Bring this delicious mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.

Incorporate Pasta and Cook Until Tender: Add your choice of pasta into the simmering mixture. Cook until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the broth’s flavors—about 8-10 minutes should do nicely.

Add Tater Tots on Top: Carefully arrange frozen tater tots on top of the pasta mixture in an even layer. This will create that crispy topping we all love.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet directly into the oven if it’s oven-safe or pour everything into a baking dish. Bake until tots are golden brown—around 20-25 minutes should be perfect.

Melt Cheese Over Everything!: Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Return to oven for about 5 minutes until melted and bubbly—get ready for oohs and ahhs!

Now gather everyone around as you unveil this masterpiece! The One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta will quickly become a family favorite that sparks joy at every meal shared together.

Enjoy every bite of ultimate comfort food bliss!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef first, then add onions and garlic until fragrant. Next, stir in the pasta and broth, allowing everything to simmer together before adding tater tots for that crispy finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef or add veggies like bell peppers or spinach. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top before baking until bubbly and golden.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for best texture; you can add a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Cooking this dish always brings back memories of my friends devouring it at game night, their happy faces covered in cheesy bliss as we cheered for our favorite team.

FAQ

Can I use frozen tater tots in this recipe?

Yes, frozen tater tots are perfect; just bake them according to package instructions before serving.

Is there a vegetarian option for One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I make my One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while cooking for an extra kick!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta is a delightful comfort food that combines the savory flavors of cheeseburgers with the heartiness of pasta and the crunch of tater tots. This easy, family-friendly dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or game nights, bringing everyone together around a warm, cheesy masterpiece. With minimal cleanup, this one-pan meal ensures you spend more time enjoying and less time cooking!

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup frozen tater tots
• 2 cups short pasta (cooked al dente)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for about 8–10 minutes until the pasta absorbs some broth flavor.
4. Arrange frozen tater tots on top of the pasta mixture evenly.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until tater tots are golden brown.
6. Remove from oven, sprinkle cheese on top, and return to bake for another 5 minutes until melted.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 85mg