Irresistible Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

The combination might sound like a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

Crispy tater tots create a golden base for layers of savory ground beef and melted cheese.

Bacon crumbles add that irresistible smoky crunch everyone loves in a hearty dish.

Weeknight dinners just got seriously upgraded with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and rich, meaty flavors.

Smart Tips for Baking with Even Crispness and Flavor

• Swap Ground Beef Options: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and more authentic flavor that coats the tater tots evenly.
• Crisp Tater Tot Technique: Spread tater tots in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure maximum crispiness and golden-brown edges during baking.
• Bacon Preparation Hack: Cook bacon separately until crispy, then crumble to prevent soggy texture and maintain a satisfying crunch when added to the casserole.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep option that saves time.

Keeping This Casserole Fresh and Delicious After Serving

• Store cooled casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping all delicious flavors intact.
• Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve texture and taste.
• Warm refrigerated casserole at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain crispy tater tots.
• Reheat single servings on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.

Why Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Feels Comforting

• Transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that satisfies everyone's cravings.
• Prepares in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals.
• Easily adapts with optional BBQ sauce, different cheese varieties, or additional toppings to suit personal tastes.
• Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, tater tots, and cheese to create a filling dish that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

Ingredients That Deliver Layers of Crunch and Cream

• Ground Beef: A hearty base for the casserole, rich in flavor and protein from high-quality beef.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky meat that adds a luxurious crunch and deep flavor to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Classic melty cheeses that create a gooey, stringy texture and rich, tangy taste. Sharp cheddar works best for bold flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Fundamental flavor builders that provide depth and aromatic base. Fresh onions and garlic cloves are recommended for best taste.
• Green Onions, Pickles: Optional fresh garnishes that add brightness and crisp texture to the final dish.

• Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ Sauce: Tangy condiments that enhance the burger-like flavor profile. Smoky BBQ sauce adds extra depth.
• Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that boost the overall seasoning and complexity of the meat mixture.

• Tater Tots: Crispy potato bites that serve as the foundation of the casserole, providing a golden, crunchy layer.

• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for added color and subtle green flavor.

Instructions to Build a Tater Tot Bake Without the Mess

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown The Meat

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until completely brown. Drain excess fat.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften.

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Layer The Casserole

Spread beef mixture evenly across the baking dish.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the meat.

Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tater tots turn golden and crispy.

Step 5: Add Cheese And Bacon Topping

• Remaining cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Crumbled bacon

Bake for additional 5-10 minutes until cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Serve And Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Diced pickles
• Fresh parsley

Serve immediately with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Sides and Sauces That Complement the Cheeseburger Flavor

• Bold Bacon Burger Casserole Sidekicks
• Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the rich, cheesy flavors and complement the smoky bacon notes. The carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve with a tangy coleslaw or crisp garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic elements will contrast the heavy, savory casserole and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Prepare quick garlic aioli or ranch dressing for dunking tater tots. These creamy condiments enhance the dish's flavor profile and add an extra layer of indulgence.
• Include quick-pickled vegetables or dill pickle slices as a bright, acidic garnish. Their sharp flavor cuts through the richness and adds a classic cheeseburger-inspired touch.

Mix-In Ideas That Elevate This Classic Dish

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat crumbles, using vegetable broth for moisture and maintaining the same spice profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure tater tots are gluten-free certified, swap regular BBQ sauce for gluten-free version, and verify all seasonings are gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets or zucchini rounds, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the cheesy bacon flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds, replace dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole combines classic comfort food flavors in one irresistible dish. Crispy tots, savory ground beef, and melted cheese create a hearty meal that brings family and friends together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups (240 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (60 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup (60 grams) pickles, diced (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Sauces and Base:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mustard
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) BBQ sauce (optional)
• 1 (32 ounces / 900 grams) bag frozen tater tots

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Instructions

1. Prepare a sizzling skillet with ground beef, heating it over medium flame until thoroughly browned and crumbly, ensuring all pink disappears while draining excess lipids.
2. Introduce aromatic onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, releasing their delectable essence.
3. Infuse the meat mixture with tangy ketchup, zesty mustard, smoky BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, allowing flavors to meld and intensify during a brief five-minute simmer.
4. Transfer the seasoned beef to a greased baking vessel, creating an even foundation that promises robust flavor.
5. Generously cascade shredded cheddar cheese across the meat landscape, creating a molten preliminary layer.
6. Strategically arrange frozen tater tots in a precise, overlapping formation, ensuring complete coverage of the cheesy terrain.
7. Slide the assembled casserole into a preheated 375°F oven, allowing the tots to transform into golden, crispy sentinels guarding the savory underneath.
8. During the final moments of baking, lavish additional cheddar and mozzarella cheese atop the tots, followed by a generous scattering of crisp bacon fragments.
9. Continue baking until cheese melts into a bubbling, inviting blanket and bacon bits turn delightfully crisp.
10. Rescue the masterpiece from heat, optionally adorning with fresh green onions, diced pickles, or verdant parsley for a vibrant finish.
11. Serve immediately, accompanying with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the indulgent main dish.

Notes

• Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the casserole’s hearty flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium ketchup and using reduced-fat cheeses without compromising the dish’s delicious taste.
• Create a make-ahead friendly option by preparing the casserole up to the point of baking, then covering and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before cooking, which helps blend flavors and simplifies meal prep.
• Enhance texture and nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture, introducing extra vegetables without altering the classic cheeseburger taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg