If you are looking for a delightful, comforting meal that combines all your favorite flavors into one easy dish, this One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine crispy golden tater tots nestled on top of a rich, cheesy, savory pasta loaded with browned ground beef, tangy ketchup and mustard, and plenty of melty cheddar and mozzarella cheese. It’s like your favorite cheeseburger took a cozy pasta bath and came out absolutely irresistible. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this recipe packs incredible flavor and satisfying textures, all made in a single pan with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in building the vibrant flavors and textures that make this dish so addictive. From the hearty ground beef to the crispy tater tots, you’ll be amazed at how these simple staples come together.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20 preferred): Provides juicy, flavorful protein with the perfect fat ratio for richness.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth after being sautéed.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant warmth that lifts the whole dish.
- Short pasta (8 oz, such as rotini or penne): Holds the sauce beautifully and adds comforting chewiness.
- Diced tomatoes with juices (1 can, 14 oz): Brings acidity and moisture, balancing richness.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Infuses the pasta with savory depth and helps cook it perfectly.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Offers sweet-tangy notes that mimic classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Yellow mustard (2 tbsp): Adds a subtle spice and tang for authenticity.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Concentrates tomato flavor for a luscious sauce.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Delivers gentle heat and complexity.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Introduces smokiness reminiscent of grilled burgers.
- Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Lends a hint of herbaceous earthiness.
- Cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded, divided): Melts beautifully for gooey cheesiness and sharp flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup shredded): Adds creamy stretchiness to the cheese blend.
- Frozen tater tots (2 cups): Tops the dish with crispy, golden fun that everyone loves.
- Green onions (1/4 cup sliced, optional): Provides fresh brightness as a garnish.
- Chopped pickles (2 tbsp, optional): Offers zesty bites that echo classic burger condiments.
How to Make One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until it is fully browned and broken up into small pieces, about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the beef develops rich flavor and juicy texture, so take your time to get a nice sear without overcrowding the pan. If there’s excess fat, drain it off before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
To the beef, add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more. This combination builds a savory aromatics base that perfectly complements the beef and spices.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
Next, add the uncooked pasta straight to the skillet along with the diced tomatoes with juices, beef broth, ketchup, yellow mustard, tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Mix everything together thoroughly so that all the flavors begin to meld and the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook Pasta
Bring the beef and pasta mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid and cook to a tender but slightly firm al dente texture during this step.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese along with the shredded mozzarella. This melty cheese blend creates a creamy, gooey sauce that binds the ingredients together and amplifies the cheeseburger vibes.
Step 6: Top with Tater Tots and Cheese
Evenly arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the cheesy pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots for an irresistible golden crust once baked. This layering is the key to that perfect combination of crispy and creamy.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your skillet or casserole dish to the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. The tater tots should become golden brown and crispy on top, adding a lovely texture contrast that makes every bite a delight.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
When baking is complete, let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set and cool just enough for a satisfying, warm dish. If you like, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped pickles for a fresh, tangy finish that captures the spirit of your favorite cheeseburger’s toppings.
How to Serve One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like thinly sliced green onions and chopped pickles bring complementary textures and bursts of brightness. The green onions add a mild onion crunch, while pickles offer a zesty tang that cuts through the richness, mimicking classic burger toppings beautifully.
Side Dishes
While this dish is a one-pan wonder and filling on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables can add a refreshing balance. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted broccoli to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions of this recipe in mini cast iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins, then broil the tops a minute for extra crispy cheese crust. You can also sprinkle hot sauce or drizzles of burger sauce on top for personalized flavor boosts that elevate the whole experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. To prevent sogginess, it’s best to freeze before adding the tater tots or add fresh tots when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a microwave or oven until warmed through. If you froze it pre-tater tots, add tater tots on top and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until crispy again. This refreshes the texture and revives that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, penne, or even elbows work wonderfully. Choose short pasta that holds sauce well to get that perfect cozy bite each time.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute with regular paprika for color and mild flavor. For added smokiness, a touch of chipotle powder works great if you like a little heat.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth and canned tomatoes don’t contain any gluten additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get all the cheesy goodness and crispy tater tots!
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and kid-friendly in its base form. You can always add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to kick up the heat to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about this One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe, blending nostalgic burger flavors with comforting pasta and crispy tots in one easy dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite weeknight meals to return to again and again.
Print
One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
One-Pan Cheeseburger Tater Tot Pasta is a comforting and hearty casserole combining all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with crispy tater tots and cheesy pasta. This easy-to-make dish simmers ground beef, pasta, and savory seasonings together before topping with tater tots and extra cheese, then baking for a crispy golden finish. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner that is both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickles, optional
Pasta and Sauces
- 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
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
- Brown the Beef: In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish over medium heat, cook the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks, for about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 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 well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the skillet contents to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure the pasta is just al dente when done.
- Melt Cheese into Pasta: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and integrated.
- Add Tater Tots and Cheese Topping: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake until Golden: Transfer the skillet or casserole dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped pickles if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish to allow for stovetop cooking and oven baking in the same vessel.
- Opt for short pasta shapes like rotini or penne for better sauce adhesion and texture.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
- If you prefer less crispy tater tots, reduce baking time slightly.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes when seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
