Few dishes capture the essence of American comfort food quite like the Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole. This mouthwatering fusion combines everything you love about a classic bacon cheeseburger—savory beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon—with the irresistible crunch of golden tater tots. It’s hearty, cheesy, and layered with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting game night, or craving a satisfying one-pan meal, this casserole delivers a perfect balance of nostalgia and indulgence. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10.5 oz / 300 g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
For the Topping:
- 1 (32 oz / 900 g) bag frozen tater tots
- 1/4 cup (25 g) chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)
- Extra bacon bits (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Beef Mixture
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the slices and place them on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble them and set aside.
- Drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking over medium-high heat until the beef browns evenly. Stir occasionally to break up large chunks.
- Add the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent a greasy casserole.
Step 2: Combine the Filling
- Lower the heat to medium and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, ketchup, and milk. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Add half of the crumbled bacon and 1 cup (100 g) of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese begins to melt into the mixture.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add a touch more mustard or pepper for a stronger kick.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the beef and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the filling. Make sure they cover the surface completely; this ensures a crispy, golden top layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup (100 g) of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Place the casserole on the center rack of the oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end—but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the top with remaining crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
- Serve warm and enjoy the satisfying blend of textures—crispy tots, gooey cheese, and savory beef.
Conservation and Storage
Proper storage ensures that your casserole stays flavorful and fresh for days to come:
Refrigeration:
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing:
If you want to make the dish ahead, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Reheating Tip:
To restore crispness, reheat leftovers in the oven rather than the microwave whenever possible.
Variations
One of the best things about this casserole is its flexibility. You can customize it to suit your preferences or use ingredients you already have at home.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a zesty version.
- Loaded Cheeseburger Style: Top the baked casserole with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles just before serving for a fresh contrast.
- BBQ Twist: Replace the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Mix different types of cheese—such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby—for an extra cheesy, melty layer.
- Vegetable Boost: Add finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef mixture to sneak in some extra nutrition.
- Breakfast Version: Substitute sausage for ground beef and add scrambled eggs between the layers for a hearty morning casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole makes a complete meal on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it even further.
- With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with ranch or honey mustard dressing to balance the richness.
- With Pickles or Coleslaw: The tanginess of pickles or coleslaw cuts through the creamy, cheesy layers perfectly.
- Party-Style Serving: Scoop portions into small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a fun appetizer-style presentation.
- Family Dinner: Pair it with roasted vegetables or corn on the cob for a satisfying, homestyle meal.
- Toppings Bar: Set out extra toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and pickled jalapeños so everyone can customize their serving.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Use Quality Beef: Choose an 80/20 ground beef blend to retain juiciness without making the casserole greasy.
- Drain Fat Thoroughly: After browning the beef, remove excess grease to prevent sogginess.
- Crisp Tater Tots First (Optional): For an extra crunchy topping, bake the tater tots halfway before assembling the casserole.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the casserole once the tots turn golden brown; overbaking can dry out the filling.
- Cheese Placement Matters: Layering cheese both inside and on top ensures gooey flavor throughout.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes to let the cheese and filling set properly.
Conclusion
The Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort dish—rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor in every bite. It captures the essence of a backyard cheeseburger while offering the heartiness of a homemade casserole. With crispy golden tater tots on top and creamy, cheesy layers beneath, it’s impossible to resist. Its versatility allows endless customization, whether you want to spice it up, make it smoky, or add a veggie twist. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this casserole brings everyone to the table. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your comfort food repertoire.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole blends all the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger into one cheesy, comforting dish. With layers of savory ground beef, crisp bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and golden tater tots, this recipe delivers a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare and impossible to resist. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (10.5 oz / 300 g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For the Topping:
1 (32 oz / 900 g) bag frozen tater tots
1/4 cup (25 g) chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)
Extra bacon bits (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Beef
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and crumble. Drain most of the grease, leaving 1 tablespoon for flavor.
Add ground beef and onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, then drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Reduce heat to medium and stir in cream of mushroom soup, ketchup, and milk. Mix until smooth.
Add half of the bacon and 1 cup (100 g) of cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and blends evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup (100 g) of cheese evenly over the tots.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispness.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with remaining bacon and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, crispy goodness!
Notes
For a crispier topping, bake the tater tots separately for 10 minutes before assembling.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add a spicy twist with jalapeños or hot sauce in the beef mixture.
Leftovers reheat best in the oven to preserve crispness.
For a creamier base, replace the mushroom soup with cheddar cheese soup or sour cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, cheesy beef casserole, hamburger tot bake, comfort food dinner
