Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a hearty, cheesy casserole. This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots—into one delicious and easy-to-make dish. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. The creamy sauce, made with cheddar cheese condensed soup and sour cream, adds a rich layer of flavor, while the tater tots provide a satisfying crunch on top. This recipe serves 6 generous portions, making it ideal for feeding a hungry family or serving at gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this crowd-pleaser in the oven and ready to enjoy in under an hour. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious casserole that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.

What you Will Need

This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole recipe yields 6 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or potluck. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, crispy tater tots, and savory beef makes this a dish that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 10.5 oz cheddar cheese condensed soup
• 8 oz sour cream
• ¾ cup bacon, cooked and chopped
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 32 oz frozen tater tots (keep frozen)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

How to Make

This casserole is straightforward to make, with just a few simple steps needed to bring together all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in one dish. Here’s how to prepare this delicious and hearty meal:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

3. Prepare the Beef Mixture:

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, cheddar cheese condensed soup, sour cream, chopped bacon, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and heated through. The mixture should be creamy and evenly blended, with the flavors of the Worcestershire sauce and garlic enhancing the savory beef.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer for an extra cheesy flavor. This layer of cheese will melt beautifully between the beef mixture and the crispy tater tots.

5. Add the Tater Tots:

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. This ensures that the tater tots cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy during baking.

6. Bake the Casserole:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

7. Add the Final Cheese Topping:

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to scoop out each serving. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole with your favorite side dishes.

Helpful Tips

Use Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef helps to reduce the amount of excess fat in the casserole, making it less greasy. If you use a higher fat content beef, be sure to drain the fat thoroughly after browning.
Customize Your Casserole: Feel free to add extra ingredients like diced onions, bell peppers, or pickles to the beef mixture for added flavor. This can give the casserole a more authentic cheeseburger taste.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with other types like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a blend of cheeses for more depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a Salad: To balance out the richness of this casserole, serve it with a fresh green salad or coleslaw on the side. The crunch and acidity from the salad can complement the creamy, cheesy casserole perfectly.
Add a Topping Bar: Make the meal more fun by setting up a topping bar with options like sliced green onions, extra bacon bits, sour cream, or even pickles. This allows everyone to customize their own serving.
Serve as a Main Dish: This casserole is filling enough to be served as a main dish. For a complete meal, you can add a side of steamed vegetables or roasted broccoli to add some greens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 650 kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 1100mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g

Storage and Leftovers

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld together even more after sitting, making it a delicious option for leftovers.
Reheating: To reheat, place a portion of the casserole in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots.
Freezing: This casserole can also be frozen. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter version of this casserole. The cooking time remains the same, but be sure to season well for the best flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil and keep it chilled. When ready to bake, follow the same baking instructions, but you may need to add a few extra minutes since it will be starting from a colder temperature.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese condensed soup? If you don’t have cheddar cheese condensed soup, you can make a homemade cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, and slowly add 1 cup of milk, stirring until thickened. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar until smooth.
How do I keep the tater tots crispy? To ensure crispy tater tots, arrange them in a single layer and avoid crowding them on top of the casserole. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Yes! Adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even peas can add extra nutrition to the dish. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the ground beef or mix them in with the other ingredients before baking.

Conclusion

Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of a one-dish meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy tater tots, making it a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have this delicious meal ready in under an hour. Try it out today, and enjoy the delicious blend of savory beef, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots in every bite!

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