Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot

Bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table on a chilly night It combines all the best parts of a cheeseburger with crispy golden tater tots and melty cheese making it a family favorite for casual gatherings or a satisfying weeknight dinner

My family begs for this casserole every time the weather turns cool I still remember the first time I made it for a game day party when it disappeared before halftime

Ingredients

• Ground beef: look for good quality beef with some fat for juicy flavor
• Olive oil or butter: helps brown the onion and meat adds richness
• Small onion: finely chopped choose one that feels heavy and firm for freshness
• Bacon: cooked and crumbled smoky flavor that makes every bite
• Cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup: both create creamy texture and more depth try to use low sodium if possible
• Sour cream: gives the sauce a mellow tang so use full fat for best results
• Milk: loosens up the sauce whole milk gives extra richness
• Shredded cheddar cheese: sharp cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for gooey texture
• Frozen tater tots: these bake up crisp in the oven always use straight from the freezer no need to thaw
• Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning taste as you go for the perfect balance
• Garlic powder or onion powder: ideal for a punch of flavor if you like things well seasoned
• Parsley or chives: fresh garnish that brightens everything up use only the freshest herbs for best color and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Aromatics and Beef:

Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat Add finely chopped onion and cook slowly for about eight minutes stirring often until the onion turns golden and soft This step brings out sweetness from the onion Next add ground beef breaking it up as you go Cook until beef is fully browned and cooked through Drain excess fat if you like then stir in crumbled bacon along with salt pepper and your choice of garlic powder or onion powder Take the skillet off the heat

Mix the Creamy Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl combine cream of mushroom soup sour cream and milk Stir until smooth with no lumps Then fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese Save the rest to top the casserole later

Layer and Assemble:

Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Use a nine by thirteen inch baking dish and grease it lightly Spread the cooked beef bacon and onion mixture across the bottom in an even layer Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the beef using a spatula to spread it from edge to edge Now arrange a layer of frozen tater tots over the top making sure nothing overlaps so they get crispy while baking

Bake and Finish:

Place the casserole on the middle oven rack and bake for thirty to thirty five minutes until the tater tots are golden and sizzling Remove the casserole from the oven and scatter the remaining cheddar on top Return to the oven for another five to seven minutes so the cheese melts into a bubbly blanket

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the casserole rest for about five minutes before serving This helps it firm up for easy slicing Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for fresh flavor

Pin it

There is something so special about the crispy tater tot topping My kids always fight over the pieces with the most tots and I have childhood memories of sharing bites right from the pan at family potlucks

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days When reheating use an oven or toaster oven to keep the tots crispy rather than the microwave For freezing let the casserole cool completely wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through

Ingredient Swaps

You can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef and turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter taste To make it vegetarian use cooked lentils or a plant based ground meat and swap bacon for smoky tempeh Bits of sautéed mushroom bring extra depth if you skip the meat For the sauce any cream soup will work and dairy free cheese and sour cream can be substituted with great results

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is rich and hearty so offer a crisp green salad on the side A pile of sliced pickles scattered on top brings real cheeseburger vibes If your family likes heat let everyone drizzle hot sauce on their serving Ketchup and mustard on the side make it feel just like a classic diner meal

Cultural Context

The concept of a tater tot casserole comes from the Midwest where busy families love a budget friendly one pan dinner that can be prepared ahead This dish is a mashup of two American favorites cheeseburgers and tater tot hotdish making it both nostalgic and modern all at once

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, cream of chicken works well for a similar rich texture and flavor. Even plain white sauce can be used in a pinch.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian bacon. Opt for a vegetable-based soup for the sauce.

→ Do tater tots need to be thawed first?

No need to thaw—add the tater tots frozen and they will bake up crispy and golden in the oven.

→ Which cheeses work best for this casserole?

Cheddar is classic, but blends like cheddar-mozzarella or Colby Jack add melt and flavor variety.

→ Can this be assembled ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble up to the tater tot layer, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the tater tots crisp.