Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot

This recipe combines two of the best comfort foods on the planet, bacon cheeseburgers and nachos, into one incredible dish we call Totchos. Crispy tater tots create the perfect base for savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and all the classic burger toppings. It’s the ultimate party food or fun weeknight meal that will have everyone reaching for more.

I first threw this together for a last minute game night, and it was gone in minutes. Now, it’s the most requested dish whenever we have friends over.

Ingredients

• A 32 ounce bag of frozen tater tots: these are the crunchy foundation of the dish so choose a brand you love
• Vegetable oil: just a little to help the tots crisp up perfectly in the oven
• One pound of ground beef: an 80/20 blend provides the best flavor thanks to its fat content
• One small onion and a clove of garlic: these aromatics build the savory base for the beef mixture
• Ketchup, mustard and Worcestershire sauce: these three create that classic tangy burger flavor in the beef
• Smoked paprika: this adds a subtle smoky depth that really elevates the dish
• One and a half cups of shredded cheddar cheese: I recommend shredding your own from a block as it melts much better than pre shredded varieties
• Six strips of cooked bacon: for that essential salty crunch
• Diced pickles, tomato, shredded lettuce and red onion: these fresh toppings provide a necessary contrast to the rich savory components
• Mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard: these form the base of the simple yet addictive special sauce
• A splash of pickle juice: this is my secret ingredient for the sauce it adds the perfect tangy kick

Step by Step Instructions

Crisp the Tater Tots:

First things first preheat your oven to 425°F. Getting the oven nice and hot is key to achieving maximum crispiness. Spread the frozen tater tots in a single even layer on a large baking sheet. Don't let them pile up or they will steam instead of roast. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, making sure to flip them about halfway through the cooking time so they become golden and crunchy on all sides.

Prepare the Cheeseburger Beef:

While the tots are in the oven heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it's nicely browned breaking it up with a spoon as you go. Once cooked drain off any excess fat. Now stir in the chopped onion minced garlic ketchup mustard Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika. Let it all simmer together for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld into a delicious savory mixture.

Whip Up the Special Sauce:

In a small bowl simply whisk together the mayonnaise ketchup mustard and that little splash of pickle juice for tang. If you like a bit of heat add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Give it a good mix and then pop it in the refrigerator to chill until you're ready to serve.

Assemble the Totchos:

Once the tater tots are perfectly crispy and golden transfer them to a large oven safe platter or a cast iron skillet. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot tots. Next spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over the top. This double cheese layer is a game changer ensuring every bite is gooey and delicious.

Melt and Serve:

Return the platter to the hot oven for about 5 minutes or just until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Carefully remove it from the oven and get ready for the best part. Top everything with the chopped bacon shredded lettuce diced tomatoes sliced red onion and pickles. Finish with a generous drizzle of the special sauce you made earlier and serve it immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

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My favorite part of this whole dish is the special sauce. It’s so simple but it perfectly mimics that classic burger joint flavor and ties all the components together. I remember the first time I added the pickle juice my family couldn't figure out what the secret ingredient was but they knew it made all the difference.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The key to reviving them is to avoid the microwave which will make the tots soggy. Instead spread the totchos on a baking sheet and reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This will help re-crisp the tots and melt the cheese beautifully.

Fun Ingredient Variations

Don't be afraid to get creative with this recipe. For a spicy kick add some pickled jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese. You can easily turn these into BBQ Bacon Totchos by swapping the ketchup and mustard in the beef mixture for your favorite barbecue sauce. For a vegetarian version replace the ground beef with black beans or a plant based crumble.

Serving Like a Pro

For a party I love to serve these directly on the sheet pan I baked them on. It creates a fun rustic look and makes for easy cleanup. Just place it in the center of the table and let everyone dig in. These totchos pair wonderfully with a cold beer or a crisp soda. Always serve extra special sauce on the side because people will definitely want more for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get the tater tots extra crispy?

Bake the tater tots for a few minutes longer than the package instructions suggest. Using an air fryer is also a great way to achieve maximum crispiness. Make sure to spread them in a single layer and shake the basket halfway through cooking.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack (for a spicy kick), or even a blend of your favorites. Ensure it's a cheese that melts well for the best results.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

Lentils or plant-based crumbles make great vegetarian substitutes for ground beef. You can also use shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I make these totchos spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, use pepper jack cheese, or drizzle with hot sauce. A pinch of cayenne pepper in the beef seasoning will also add some heat.

→ Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the ground beef mixture and the bacon ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also whisk together the sauce in advance. Assemble the totchos right before serving to prevent the tater tots from becoming soggy.

→ What other toppings can I add?

The possibilities are endless! Consider adding pickled onions, banana peppers, avocado slices, a fried egg (for breakfast totchos), or a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce.