Craving a twist on classic comfort food? Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole brings all the indulgent flavors of a juicy burger into one cheesy, crispy, and crowd-pleasing dish. This casserole is the ultimate fusion of bacon, ground beef, melty cheese, and golden tater tots. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s ready in just over an hour. With layers of savory, tangy, and crunchy textures, it’s a must-try meal that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is:
- Comforting: The rich, cheesy beef base and crispy tater tots make it a soul-satisfying meal.
- Simple to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the familiar flavors.
- Meal Prep Savvy: Assemble it ahead of time, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite toppings or condiments.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup real bacon bits
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
- 24 oz frozen tater tots
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
- 1/4 cup real bacon bits
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high and brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, crumbling the meat as it cooks.
- Once browned, drain any excess grease and return the skillet to the heat.
- Blend in the bacon bits, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the beef.
- Lay the tater tots in a single, uniform layer over the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
- Take the dish out of the oven, add the remaining shredded cheese and bacon bits on top.
- Return it to the oven for 6–8 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Layer Evenly: Spread ingredients uniformly to ensure consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
- Crispier Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, broil for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Cheese Options: Swap the cheese blend for pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Add Veggies: Mix in diced pickles or tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
Substitutions And Variations
- Ground Turkey: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based meat, vegan cheese, and egg-free mayo.
- Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce or jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Mix in taco seasoning and top with salsa and sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! Let the casserole cool fully, divide into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat it? Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots? Yes! Although tater tots are quick and crispy, you can use thinly sliced, par-cooked potatoes as a substitute.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Use the oven for best results; microwave for convenience.
Conclusion
If you love burgers and crave comfort food, this Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect recipe for you. It’s hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy—ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Don’t forget to share your twist on this classic and tag your creations. Hungry for more delicious casserole ideas? Explore our related recipes and keep the comfort coming!
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Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and crunchy tater tots. This easy, family-friendly dinner comes together quickly and delivers bold burger flavor in every cheesy bite. Try it tonight for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 cup real bacon bits
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
24 oz frozen tater tots
Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
1/4 cup real bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high and brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, crumbling the meat as it cooks.
- Once browned, drain any excess grease and return the skillet to the heat.
- Blend in the bacon bits, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the beef.
- Lay the tater tots in a single, uniform layer over the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
- Take the dish out of the oven, add the remaining shredded cheese and bacon bits on top.
- Return it to the oven for 6–8 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
For crispier tater tots, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Add diced pickles or tomatoes for extra flavor.
Substitute ground turkey or use vegan alternatives if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes + Time (Resting/Chill): 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 43 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 39g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg