Crispy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for Game Night Fun

Cheesy, crispy, and utterly irresistible, this bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole blends comfort food classics into one mouthwatering dish.

Layers of seasoned ground beef create a hearty foundation for this crowd-pleasing meal.

Crisp bacon adds a smoky punch that elevates every single bite.

Melted cheese blankets tender tater tots, creating a golden-brown crust that promises pure deliciousness.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and satisfying textures.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this all-in-one dinner that combines the best elements of burgers and casseroles.

Prepare to be the kitchen hero when you serve this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 498 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein foundation, choose lean cuts for less grease and fuller flavor.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness, select firm white or yellow onions for best texture.
• Garlic: Enhances savory profile, fresh cloves offer more robust taste than pre-minced versions.

• Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness, opt for classic brands with balanced acidity.
• Mustard: Introduces sharp undertone, Dijon works wonderfully for extra zest.
• BBQ Sauce: Delivers smoky complexity, select thick, robust sauce for maximum impact.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness, ensure fresh for potent flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

• Cheddar Cheese: Creates rich, melty layer, sharp variety provides more intense taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers smooth, stretchy texture, use low-moisture version.
• Bacon: Brings crispy, salty crunch, thick-cut varieties yield best results.
• Tater Tots: Provides crispy base, frozen brands work perfectly.
• Pickles: Optional fresh garnish, adds bright, tangy contrast.
• Green Onions: Introduces fresh, mild onion flavor, chop finely for even distribution.
• Parsley: Provides fresh herbal note, fresh leaves preferred over dried.

Kitchen Tools For Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and cooking onions and garlic.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Needed to assemble and bake the entire casserole.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Cheese grater: Useful if shredding cheese from a block for fresh, melty cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for chopping onions, garlic, and optional garnishes.

Simple How-To For Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F and give a quick spray of cooking oil to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Brown the Beef Blend

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, draining any extra fat. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, stirring until softened. Pour in ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce, sprinkling smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer and get all delicious.

• Layer the Flavor Foundation

Spread the beef mixture across the baking dish. Shower a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat. Create a crispy blanket of tater tots across the top.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes until the tots turn beautifully golden and crisp.

• Crown with Cheesy Bacon Goodness

Sprinkle remaining cheddar, add mozzarella, and scatter crumbled bacon across the surface. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until cheese melts into pure deliciousness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the bubbling masterpiece. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley if you want. Serve piping hot alongside a fresh salad or steamed veggies.

Smart Tips For Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Crispy Tot Perfection: Use frozen tater tots directly from the freezer for maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option with similar flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free tater tots to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spice Level Control: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for those who enjoy extra heat, or keep it mild for family-friendly meals.

Ways To Serve Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Party Plate Perfection: Create a fun buffet-style setup with small plates, allowing guests to scoop their own portions and add extra toppings like sour cream or hot sauce.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair the casserole with crisp coleslaw or a tangy green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add a fresh crunch to the meal.
• Family Dinner Star: Serve directly from the baking dish for a casual, rustic presentation that encourages family-style sharing and creates a warm, inviting dining experience.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven, and top with fresh chopped herbs or an extra sprinkle of bacon for a quick and delicious next-day lunch.

Plan Ahead And Store Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts perfectly.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap the casserole tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container, storing it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the casserole into individual serving-sized containers for easy grab-and-go meals, making weekday lunch prep a breeze and maintaining maximum deliciousness.

Crispy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheesy bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole delivers classic American comfort cuisine with crispy potato layers and melted cheese. Home cooks can quickly assemble this hearty dish for family dinners that satisfy deep hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 32 oz (900 g) bag frozen tater tots
• 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) mustard
• ¼ cup (60 ml) bbq sauce (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup (60 g) pickles, diced (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tbsps chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Meat Mixture: Brown ground beef in a large skillet, draining excess fat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Incorporate ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until flavors meld and mixture thickens.
3. Layering: Spread beef mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle a layer of cheddar cheese, then arrange tater tots in a uniform, complete coverage across the surface.
4. Initial Baking: Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until tater tots turn golden and crispy.
5. Final Touches: Distribute remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and crumbled bacon over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
6. Serving: Remove from oven and garnish with optional pickles, green onions, or parsley. Serve immediately alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to complement the rich casserole.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to prevent excessive grease while maintaining juicy flavor.
• Bacon Crispness Control: Pre-cook bacon until crispy before crumbling to ensure optimal texture and prevent sogginess in the casserole.
• Layer Strategically: Spread ingredients evenly to guarantee consistent flavor and prevent uneven cooking, especially with tater tots.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular tater tots with sweet potato tots for a lower-carb alternative, or use cauliflower tots for a vegetable-based option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 498
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 909 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg