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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- 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.
- Initial Baking: Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until tater tots turn golden and crispy.
- 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.
- 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