Craving a comforting and indulgent meal that combines the best of burgers and tater tots? This cheesy patty melt tater tot skillet is your answer! It’s a fun twist on classic comfort food, all cooked in one skillet for minimal cleanup. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend brunch, this dish will leave you and your family asking for seconds.
Imagine crispy tater tots layered with juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and sautéed onions, all mingling together in a deliciously savory mix. If you’re a fan of those late-night diner vibes, this recipe will transport you straight to your favorite burger joint.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Skillet
This hearty skillet dish brings together crispy tater tots, juicy beef patties, gooey cheese, and caramelized onions in a delightful combination.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a melty and satisfying meal that’s hard to resist.
The vibrant colors and textures in this dish make it an inviting centerpiece for any gathering.
Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend brunch, this skillet is sure to please everyone at the table.
Perfectly Cooked Tater Tots
Starting with a generous layer of golden, crispy tater tots sets the tone for this dish.
Simply baking them until they’re perfectly crispy adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef patties above.
Following the package instructions ensures that each tot is deliciously golden, forming a sturdy base for the entire meal.
Juicy Beef Patties and Savory Onions
Forming and cooking the beef patties to your desired doneness is essential for achieving that perfect flavor profile.
Seasoned well, the patties bring a hearty taste that complements the richness of the melted cheese.
Meanwhile, caramelizing the onions adds a touch of sweetness, enriching the overall flavor of the dish and making each bite a delightful experience.
Melted Cheese Goodness
Layering both shredded cheddar and slices of American cheese creates a gooey, mouthwatering topping that pulls the whole dish together.
The brief time in the oven allows the cheese to melt and bubble, resulting in a beautifully cheesy layer that calls out for a fork.
The melted cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the crispy tater tots and juicy patties.
Serving Suggestions
To complete the meal, serve it hot with a squeeze bottle of ketchup and mustard on the side.
This gives everyone the chance to personalize their servings, adding a tangy touch that balances the richness of the cheese and beef.
Ideal for sharing, this dish transforms any meal into a fun and interactive experience.
Nutritional Benefits and Enjoyment
This skillet is not just indulgent; it also packs a nutritional punch.
With protein-rich beef, hearty carbohydrates from the tater tots, and the added benefit of onions, it offers a well-rounded option for a main dish.
It’s a delightful meal that both kids and adults will love, promising satisfaction in every bite.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Skillet
This hearty skillet dish features crispy tater tots topped with flavorful beef patties, gooey cheese, and caramelized onions, creating a melty and satisfying meal that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ketchup and mustard for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots on a baking sheet and bake according to package instructions until golden and crispy, about 20-25 minutes.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Form and Cook Patties: While the onions are cooking, form the ground beef into 4 patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper. In another skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat until browned and cooked to your desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Layer the Skillet: Once the tater tots are done, layer them in the skillet with the caramelized onions. Place the cooked patties on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and lay American cheese slices on top.
- Melt the Cheese: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve with ketchup and mustard if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 550kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
✔️ Mixing Bowls – One large and one medium for wet and dry ingredients
✔️ Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer) – For creaming butter and sugar
✔️ Measuring Cups & Spoons – To measure ingredients accurately
✔️ Sifter (Optional) – Helps aerate flour for a smoother dough
Cookie Preparation Tools
✔️ Rolling Pin – To roll out the dough evenly
✔️ Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter – To cut perfect heart shapes
✔️ Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat – Prevents cookies from sticking
✔️ Baking Sheet (Cookie Tray) – To bake the cookies evenly
✔️ Wire Cooling Rack – Allows cookies to cool properly before decorating
Decorating Tools
✔️ Piping Bags & Tips – For applying royal icing or buttercream
✔️ Offset Spatula or Butter Knife – To spread icing smoothly
✔️ Sprinkle Shakers – For adding sprinkles or edible glitter