When comfort food cravings strike, nothing satisfies quite like the fusion of two American classics: the bacon cheeseburger and tater tot casserole. This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole brings together all the flavors you love about a juicy burger but in a convenient, family-style dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
With layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a crown of golden tater tots, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of meal that disappears quickly from the table and has everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This
- One-dish wonder that combines everyone’s favorite comfort foods
- Kid-approved flavors that adults will equally enjoy
- Prep it in just 15 minutes, then let your oven do the work
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings and condiments
- Leftovers taste even better the next day (if there are any!)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
- 28-ounce bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes to start crisping them up.
- While the tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 6-8 minutes while breaking up the meat until no pink remains and onions are softened. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season the beef mixture with Montreal steak seasoning. Add the cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and chopped bacon. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the tater tots from the oven and carefully pour the beef mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. Arrange the tater tots back on top of the meat mixture, spreading them out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly. Serve hot in generous portions.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture
- Make it even more “burger-like” by adding a layer of sliced tomatoes under the tater tots
- Try ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option
- Add mushrooms to the beef mixture for an earthy, umami flavor boost
- Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time
- For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking (watch carefully!)
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. A small bowl of additional burger condiments like ketchup, mustard, and special sauce allows everyone to customize their portion to taste.
For a complete burger joint experience, pair with dill pickle spears and some roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli to round out the meal.
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- The casserole is done when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set up
- For meal prep, divide leftovers into individual portions for quick lunches
FAQs
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 15-20 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
While tater tots give this dish its signature texture, you could substitute 4 cups of shredded hash browns. The texture will be different, but still delicious.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy, the cheese completely melted, and the edges bubbling. If you insert a knife into the center, it should feel hot to the touch.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
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