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
Units
Scale
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!