Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the crispy, golden goodness of tater tots. Loaded with ground beef, bacon, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce, this hearty casserole is easy to make and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this indulgent casserole.
- Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make it a go-to recipe.
- Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings or veggies to make it your own.
- Comfort food at its best: Cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Tater tots
- Green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Make the creamy base: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir the mixture into the cooked beef.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer shredded cheeses on top, followed by an even layer of frozen tater tots. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the tots.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8 as a main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable additions: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Spicy kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Different cheeses: Swap cheddar and Monterey Jack for gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- Healthier version: Use ground turkey or chicken, reduced-fat cheese, and light sour cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, thinly sliced or diced potatoes can be used, but they’ll need to be par-cooked before layering.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
4. What other meats can I use?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes work well as alternatives to beef.
5. Can I add condiments like ketchup or mustard?
Yes, mix a little ketchup or mustard into the beef mixture for a more authentic burger flavor.
6. Can I make this in a smaller dish?
Yes, halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch dish for a smaller serving.
7. Can I use different soups?
Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cheddar soup can replace cream of mushroom.
8. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soup and check that your tater tots and other ingredients are gluten-free.
9. Can I use pre-cooked tater tots?
Yes, pre-cooked tater tots can speed up the baking process; just reduce the bake time slightly.
10. How do I prevent soggy tater tots?
Bake the tater tots separately for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole to keep them crispy.
Conclusion
Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of a classic cheeseburger and a hearty casserole. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving indulgent comfort food. Give it a try, and watch it become a family favorite!
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Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Casseroles, Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, cheesy, and crispy dish. Perfect for a family dinner, game day, or potluck, it’s packed with ground beef, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots!
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) mustard
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) BBQ sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz / 900 g) bag frozen tater tots
For topping:
- 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 g) pickles, diced (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef mixture:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake the casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Add the final cheese and bacon topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and crumbled bacon over the top of the tater tots.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with diced pickles, green onions, or parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot with a side of salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the step of adding tater tots. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick!