Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Looking for a hearty and crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with the crispy goodness of tater tots? Look no further than this Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole! This recipe was born out of a need to satisfy hungry teenage appetites after sports practice, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Imagine layers of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked tater tots, all baked together to golden perfection. The first time I made this bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole, it was a hit not only with my son and his friends but also with my friend Lisa’s picky husband. It’s comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds.

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite burger toppings or add in extra ingredients like jalapeños or green onions to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option that reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Trust me, once you try this Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, it’ll quickly become a staple in your family’s dinner rotation.

Quick Benefits

• Easy to make with simple ingredients on hand
• Fills you up with protein, potatoes, and cheese in one dish
• Customizable with different burger toppings and cheeses
• Great for leftovers and reheats well, blending flavors for even more deliciousness

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

• Fulfilling and Comforting: This casserole is a hearty and comforting meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
• Teenager-Approved: Perfect for feeding hungry teenagers or a crowd after a long day, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
• Easy and Convenient: Utilizes simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can personalize this dish by adding your favorite burger toppings or experimenting with different cheeses and veggies.
• Versatile Leftovers: Tastes just as good as leftovers, with the flavors melding together even further for an even more delicious meal the next day.
• Family Favorite: A reliable recipe that can quickly become a staple in your household, loved by both kids and adults alike for its flavor and simplicity.

Ingredients for Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• 28-ounce bag frozen tater tots
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup

How to Make Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Start the tater tots

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange frozen tater tots in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes to begin crisping.

Step 2: Brown the beef and onions

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion for 6-8 minutes until beef is browned, onions are softened, and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season and add creamy ingredients

Season the beef with Montreal steak seasoning, then mix in cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and chopped bacon. Stir well and heat for 2-3 minutes until combined.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

Take out the tater tots from the oven. Pour the beef mixture over the tater tots, ensuring it is spread evenly. Place the tater tots on top of the beef mixture, spreading them out evenly.

Step 5: Top with cheese and bake

Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy, and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes to let the cheese set slightly before serving hot in generous portions.

Storage Tips

Once the bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole is prepared, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. The dish reheats well in the microwave, making it a convenient option for quick and easy meals throughout the week. While the tater tots may soften slightly upon reheating, the flavors continue to develop, with some individuals even preferring the leftovers due to the enhanced blend of tastes.

To ensure that the casserole maintains its quality when stored, it’s important to cool it down to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container and affecting the texture of the dish. When reheating, cover the container loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to retain moisture and prevent splattering. By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the delicious bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole even after it has been initially served.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier twist on this Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. These leaner protein options can reduce the overall fat content of the dish while still providing plenty of flavor. Additionally, you can use low-fat or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream to further lighten up the casserole without sacrificing creaminess.

If you’re looking to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms. To enhance the umami flavors, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to mimic the savory depth typically provided by meat. You can also experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack to give the dish a unique twist while still maintaining that cheesy goodness.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving this bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole, consider setting up a DIY toppings bar. Lay out bowls of toppings like diced pickles, jalapeños, corn, green onions, and even different cheeses for your family or guests to customize their casserole portions. This interactive setup not only adds a playful element to the meal but also allows everyone to tailor their dish to their taste preferences.

To elevate the presentation of this hearty casserole, consider serving it in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for a charming and rustic touch. Top each portion with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Pair this comforting dish with a side of crisp, refreshing coleslaw or a simple garden salad to balance out the richness of the bacon, cheese, and tater tots. A cold beer or soda alongside will complement the savory and salty flavors of this indulgent meal perfectly.

FAQs for Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Some options could be mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of different cheeses.

Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, so adjust seasonings accordingly.

How can I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?

To ensure crispy tater tots, it’s important to pre-cook them according to the package instructions before assembling the casserole. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just allow for some extra baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to feed a hungry crowd or simply craving a comforting meal, Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is sure to hit the spot. The combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots is a winning formula that never fails to impress. Plus, with the flexibility to customize toppings and ingredients, you can make this dish your own and discover new flavor combinations.

Don’t be discouraged by initial mishaps or doubts – like soggy tots or greasy textures – because perfecting this dish is part of the fun. Experiment with different additions and adjustments to suit your taste preferences, and remember that practice makes perfect. Embrace the process, enjoy the delicious results, and share this crowd-pleasing Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole with your loved ones for a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

A hearty and flavorful Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters and leave them asking for more.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (1 large casserole)

Ingredients

• 28-ounce bag frozen tater tots
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup

Instructions

1. Start the tater tots: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange frozen tater tots in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes to begin crisping.
2. Brown the beef and onions: Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion for 6-8 minutes until beef is browned, onions are softened, and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
3. Season and add creamy ingredients: Season the beef with Montreal steak seasoning, then mix in cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and chopped bacon. Stir well and heat for 2-3 minutes until combined.
4. Assemble the casserole: Take out the tater tots from the oven. Pour the beef mixture over the tater tots, ensuring it is spread evenly. Place the tater tots on top of the beef mixture, spreading them out evenly.
5. Top with cheese and bake: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy, and cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes to let the cheese set slightly before serving hot in generous portions.