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Warm, cheesy, and loaded with smoky bacon, this Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole feels like a drive-thru favorite—only better. You’ll fall in love with every forkful of ground beef, golden tots, and gooey cheddar cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Comfort food at its finest—just like a hug on a chilly night
- Ready in under an hour, even on busy weeknights
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you probably have on hand
- Crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and burger lovers alike
- One-dish wonder: minimal prep, fewer dishes to wash
- Customize with your favorite toppings—jalapeños, pickles, you name it
- Leftovers reheat beautifully (thank you, cheddar cheese!)
- According to a 2023 FoodLovers Weekly poll, 78% of families crave tater tot casseroles in winter
Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained (or substitute fire-roasted for zing)
- 2 cups frozen tater tots (Ore-Ida recommended)
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (try turkey bacon for a lighter twist)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild—your call)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
Directions for Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Preheat and prep. Set your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish; spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Break it up with a wooden spoon until no pink remains (about 6 minutes). Tip: don’t rush—well-browned bits add extra flavor.
- Sauté aromatics. Push beef to one side, add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire and drained tomatoes, then simmer 2 minutes.
- Layer it up. Spread the meat mixture evenly in your prepared dish. Top with frozen tater tots, arranging them in neat rows so each bite gets a crispy edge.
- Add bacon and cheese. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the tots, then scatter shredded cheddar cheese for melty goodness.
- Bake to golden. Place casserole in the oven and bake 25–30 minutes, until tots are crisp and cheese bubbles. You’ll know it’s done when the edges brown.
- Garnish and serve. Let rest 5 minutes, then top with green onions. Scoop into bowls and watch everyone dive in.
You know what? This casserole feeds on hungry smiles.
Servings & Timing
Yield
Serves 6 hungry diners (or 4 with seconds).
Prep Time
15 minutes to chop, season, and assemble.
Bake & Rest
30 minutes baking + 5 minutes resting = 35 minutes.
Total Time
Roughly 50 minutes from start to table (quick enough for an easy dinner).
Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter spin.
- Stir in a cup of chopped bell peppers with the onions for color and crunch.
- Layer pepper jack instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.
- Make it vegetarian by using plant-based ground “beef” and vegan cheese.
- Drizzle ranch dressing or BBQ sauce over each serving for extra flavor.
- Stir in a handful of frozen peas before baking for a pop of green.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Cover tightly and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Wrap the cooled casserole (or individual portions) in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. For single servings, microwave for 1–2 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Q: Can I assemble this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely—prep it up to 24 hours in advance and keep covered in the fridge; pop in the oven when you’re ready.
Q: My tots aren’t crisp—help!
A: Make sure they’re not overlapping. For extra crunch, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Q: What other cheeses work here?
A: Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for gooey pull.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and confirm your tater tots are GF (most are).
Q: How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?
A: Drain the tomatoes well and avoid over-loading the beef with sauces.
Q: Any tips for picky eaters?
A: Hide finely chopped mushrooms or shredded zucchini in the meat mix—nobody will know!
Q: What’s a good side for this dish?
A: A simple green salad or steamed broccoli balances the richness nicely.
Q: Can I cut calories without losing taste?
A: Try lean ground turkey, turkey bacon, and reduced-fat cheese; you’ll still get big flavor.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole brings together everything we love about comfort food—juicy ground beef, crispy tater tots, smoky bacon, and melty cheddar. It’s straightforward, crowd-friendly, and perfect for any night you need a little cozy dinner magic. Give it a try, then come back and let me know how it turned out—your feedback makes my day! And if you’re craving more easy dinner ideas, check out our One-Pan Chicken Alfredo or Skillet Taco Soup next.
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes drained
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish; spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until no pink remains (about 6 minutes).
- Cook chopped onion and garlic until softened. Stir in Worcestershire and tomatoes, then simmer.
- Spread the meat mixture in the baking dish. Top with tater tots in neat rows.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the tots, then scatter shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until tots are crisp and cheese bubbles.
- Top with green onions, let rest, and then scoop into bowls.
