Irresistible One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe

Imagine diving into a bubbling pot of cheesy goodness, where the satisfying crunch of golden tater tots meets the savory richness of a cheeseburger. That’s what you get with One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and promising a delightful meal that reminds you of childhood comfort food.

As I stirred this dish for the first time, memories flooded back of family game nights and laughter echoing through our kitchen. This recipe is perfect for those cozy evenings when you crave something hearty yet effortless to whip up. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!

I once made this dish for a potluck, and let me tell you, people were coming back for thirds! The laughter, compliments, and full bellies made it one memorable evening.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty without being too greasy.

• Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots work perfectly here; don’t even think about making them from scratch!

• Pasta: Medium shells or penne are great choices as they capture all that cheesy goodness.

• Cheddar Cheese: Grate your own cheese for better melting and flavor—plus, who doesn’t love extra cheese?

• Onion: Chopped onions add sweetness and depth; sauté until they’re soft and translucent.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key; it adds a fantastic aroma that will have everyone asking what’s cooking.

• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels but still achieve that rich flavor.

• Ketchup and Mustard: These classic condiments bring that cheeseburger vibe straight into the dish.

• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning elevate the overall flavor profile beautifully.

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

How to Make One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as you go. This should take about 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.

Next, toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions soften and become translucent; this will take around 3-4 minutes while filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Pour in beef broth along with ketchup and mustard. Stir everything together well so that the sauce melds with the meat mixture like a tight-knit family coming together after years apart.

Add pasta to the skillet next. Make sure every piece gets submerged in the liquid; then cover it with a lid and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is cooked al dente.

While everything bubbles away happily, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top like confetti at a birthday party. Cover again briefly until the cheese melts into gooey perfection—about 3-5 minutes should do!

Finally, arrange frozen tater tots on top in a glorious layer of crispiness. Bake in preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and irresistibly crunchy.

And there you have it! Serve hot from the pan with some fresh parsley sprinkled on top if you’re feeling fancy—though let’s be real; we’re all here for the cheesy goodness! Enjoy every delightful bite of this comfort food masterpiece.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the beef and onions first, then add pasta, sauce, and finally the tater tots. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly while maximizing flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like bell peppers. Different cheeses can also elevate the creaminess to your liking.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave until hot or warm on the stove over low heat.

Cooking this One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta was a game-changer at my family gatherings; everyone devoured it and begged for seconds!

FAQ

Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even plant-based options work great too.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking for an extra kick.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days maximum.

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One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta

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Dive into the ultimate comfort food with One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta, a dish that combines the rich flavors of cheeseburgers with the satisfying crunch of tater tots. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering hearty portions and a nostalgic taste of childhood. A delicious blend of pasta, ground beef, and gooey cheese topped with crispy tater tots makes this meal a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup frozen tater tots
• 2 cups medium shell or penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
2. Stir in chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft.
3. Pour in beef broth, ketchup, and mustard; mix well.
4. Add pasta to the skillet, ensuring it's submerged in liquid. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until al dente.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top; cover briefly until melted (about 3-5 minutes).
6. Arrange frozen tater tots on top and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For variations, substitute ground beef with turkey or add diced bell peppers for extra veggies. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to enhance creaminess.