Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Craving a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal? This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger into a warm, baked dish. With crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and loads of gooey cheese, this casserole is a family favorite! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or game night, this dish will be a guaranteed hit.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before we begin, gather these kitchen essentials:

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater (if using fresh cheese)

Ingredients

For the Beef Layer:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnishing (Optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Diced pickles
• Drizzle of burger sauce

How to Make Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole?

Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Drain excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard.
6. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the dish.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
5. Evenly distribute the cooked and crumbled bacon on top.
6. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and bacon.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

1. Sprinkle smoked paprika and garlic powder over the tater tots.
2. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add More Cheese

1. Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
2. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, pickles, or a drizzle of burger sauce.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a kick.
• BBQ Twist: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace tater tots with roasted cauliflower or mashed cauliflower.
• Extra Creamy: Mix ½ cup of sour cream into the beef mixture.

Cooking Note

• If you want extra crispy tater tots, bake them for 5-10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
• To make this ahead, prepare the beef mixture, assemble the casserole, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs perfectly with:

• A fresh green salad
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Pickles and coleslaw
• A refreshing glass of iced tea or soda

Helpful Tips

• Use lean beef to avoid excessive grease in the dish.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

1. Crispy Tots: Bake tater tots separately for extra crunch.
2. Layering Matters: Cheese between the beef and tots keeps the flavors balanced.
3. Quality Cheese: Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
4. More Toppings: Try adding pickles, tomatoes, or crispy fried onions on top.
5. Baking Temperature: A hot oven (375°F-400°F) ensures crispy, golden tots.

Similar recipes you may also like:

• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
• Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Easy and Delicious
• Best Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
• Bang Bang Chicken Air Fryer Recipe

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q2: Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes it a lighter dish.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour.

Q5: What other cheeses can I use?

Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.

Conclusion

Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the delicious flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in an easy-to-make casserole. With crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, and flavorful beef, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, game night, or a potluck, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!

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