If you are looking for a fun, hearty, and absolutely comforting meal that combines the best of cheeseburgers, crispy tater tots, and pasta all in one dish, then you will fall in love with this One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe. It’s a brilliant all-in-one skillet dinner that brings together savory ground beef simmered with tangy tomato sauces and spices, tender pasta cooked right in the sauce, and a golden blanket of crispy tater tots and melty cheese on top. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of texture and flavor that feels like a nostalgic dinner and a crowd-pleaser all rolled into one. And the best part? It all cooks up in a single pan, saving you time and cleanup, making it a winner for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each selected to create layers of rich, comforting flavor and texture. From the hearty ground beef to the crispy tater tots, every ingredient plays a starring role in building this delicious, homestyle casserole.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred): Adds juicy, savory richness that forms the base of the dish.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth to the savory profile.
- 8 ounces uncooked short pasta (rotini or penne): Soaks up the sauce perfectly, adding chew and body.
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices: Adds acidity and freshness to balance the richness.
- 1 cup beef broth: Provides moisture for cooking pasta and deep beef flavor.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds a touch of tangy sweetness reminiscent of classic cheeseburger sauce.
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard: Offers zesty sharpness to brighten the dish.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick of heat.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a subtle smoky depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Sprinkles in some aromatic herb notes.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Creamy, melting, and cheesy, a key to comfort.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Extra gooey meltiness to complement cheddar.
- 2 cups frozen tater tots: Crispy, crunchy topping that makes this dish feel like ultimate indulgence.
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional): Fresh garnish adding a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickles (optional): Adds a bright, tangy crunch to finish.
How to Make One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating your large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until fully browned and no longer pink—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat for a cleaner dish. Then, toss in the diced onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, usually around 3 minutes. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook just for a minute to release its aroma without burning it.
Step 2: Combine Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
Next, stir in the uncooked pasta right into the skillet, followed by the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, ketchup, yellow mustard, and tomato paste. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Make sure to stir everything together thoroughly so that every piece of pasta starts absorbing those vibrant flavors early on—this will give you a rich, well-seasoned base to build upon.
Step 3: Simmer the Pasta
Bring the whole mixture up to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just tender but still has a slight bite—perfectly al dente. This step cooks the pasta right in the sauce, so it soaks up all those delicious juices and spices.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese along with all of the mozzarella cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheeses smoothly into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy texture that ties everything together beautifully.
Step 5: Top with Tater Tots and Bake
Evenly arrange the frozen tater tots across the cheesy pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining half-cup of cheddar cheese right on top of the tots for extra golden cheesiness. Then, transfer the skillet or casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tater tots have turned that irresistible golden brown and crispy on top.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
When the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes—this helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve. Top with sliced green onions and chopped pickles if you’re using them, and get ready to dive into something truly fantastic.
How to Serve One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add a delightful contrast to the richness of the dish. Sliced green onions bring a fresh, crisp bite and vibrant green color while chopped pickles add a pop of tangy crunch that perfectly complements the savory and cheesy flavors. You could also sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Despite being a full meal on its own, this dish pairs wonderfully with simple, light sides such as a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or steamed green beans to add some brightness and a fresh counterbalance to the hearty casserole. A few slices of crusty bread could also be great for mopping up any cheesy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family dinners, try serving the One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe straight from the skillet at the table—it makes for a fun, casual presentation that invites everyone to dig in family-style. You can also portion it out into individual oven-safe ramekins for personal casseroles finished off under the broiler for an extra-crispy tater tot topping. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort meal that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will only deepen as it rests, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that the tater tots may lose some crispness after freezing, but the dish remains delicious and comforting.
Reheating
To reheat, warm portions gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot. For an extra crispy top, pop the dish under the broiler for a few minutes after reheating, watching carefully to avoid burning. This way, you reclaim that irresistible tater tot crunch every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like rotini or penne work best because they hold the sauce nicely, but you can swap in shells, macaroni, or even rigatoni depending on what you have on hand. Just ensure the pasta cooks fully in the sauce during simmering.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the pasta for a gluten-free variety and ensure your beef broth and other packaged ingredients are gluten-free. Double-check labels to avoid any hidden gluten, and you’ll have a tasty gluten-free comfort meal.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
You could, but frozen tater tots add that unique crispy texture and convenience that’s perfect for this dish. If using fresh potatoes, consider parboiling and roasting or frying them separately to achieve a similar crunch on top.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild with a smoky undertone from the smoked paprika and a subtle kick from black pepper. If you prefer more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste during cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian-style?
Definitely! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms and add vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The combination of cheeses, tomato base, and crispy tots still delivers a hearty, satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe is a total game changer when you want something that’s flavorful, filling, and fuss-free. It wonderfully marries the best of familiar comfort foods into one easy, family-friendly skillet meal that’s sure to become a go-to favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the irresistible combination of cheesy, savory, and crispy goodness all from just one pan!
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One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta is a delicious and hearty casserole combining the rich flavors of cheeseburger ingredients with comforting pasta and crispy tater tots. Perfectly cooked in a single skillet, this dish offers an easy cleanup and a satisfying meal ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces uncooked short pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Cheeses and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish set over medium heat on the stovetop, cook the ground beef until it is thoroughly browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, ketchup, yellow mustard, tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just al dente and has absorbed some of the liquid.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese along with all of the shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheeses melt and are fully incorporated.
- Top with Tater Tots and Cheese: Evenly arrange the frozen tater tots over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet or casserole dish to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the tater tots turn golden and crispy on top.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped pickles if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the short pasta with your favorite small shapes like penne or fusilli.
- For extra cheesiness, mix some cheese into the pasta before topping with tater tots.
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings.
- If you prefer crispier tater tots, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Make sure the skillet is oven-safe to avoid damage during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
