Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

If you love comfort food that hits all the right notes, then you’re in for a treat with this Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and golden tater tots baked into one deliciously satisfying dish. I absolutely love how every bite reminds me of a cheeseburger without all the fuss—trust me, you’ll want to make this on repeat!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, classic ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver that perfect cheeseburger flavor. When you pick your ground beef, I recommend going for lean ground beef to keep the casserole from getting too greasy, but still juicy enough.

• Lean ground beef: The heart of the dish; choose at least 85% lean for a good fat balance without excess grease.
• Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture—fresh onions always make a difference.
• Real bacon bits: Don’t skimp here; using real bacon bits amps up the smoky flavor wonderfully.
• Mayo: Helps bind the sauce and adds creaminess—surprisingly essential for that burger vibe.
• Ketchup: Classic burger condiment—sweet and tangy, it brightens the whole dish.
• Mustard: Adds a touch of zing, balancing the sweetness from ketchup and mayo.
• Salt & pepper: Basic but vital seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
• Onion powder & garlic powder: Deepen that savory profile without overpowering.
• Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: The gooey, melty top layer that holds everything together.
• Frozen tater tots: The crispy, golden crust that makes this casserole so unique and fun to eat.

Variations

I love how flexible this Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe can be. Over time, I’ve tried a few twists to fit different tastes and dietary needs, and it always turns out crowd-pleasing. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Adding veggies: I’ve tossed in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and a veggie boost—totally delicious and colorful.
• Cheese swaps: Sometimes I use pepper jack for a little spicy kick or just all cheddar for that classic cheeseburger vibe.
• Beef alternatives: Ground turkey or plant-based meat crumbs work well if you want a leaner or vegetarian-friendly version.
• Spicy twist: Try a dash of cayenne or hot sauce in the mix if you’re craving a little heat.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef and onions

Start by heating a large sauté pan over medium-high. Toss in your lean ground beef with a dab of butter or margarine—it helps prevent sticking and adds richness. Add the diced onion right at the same time; I find cooking them together lets the onions get tender and soak up that meaty goodness. Crumble the beef as it cooks, aiming for fine pieces that’ll spread evenly in the casserole. Once the beef is browned and no longer pink, drain excess grease carefully—too much grease can make the casserole soggy.

Step 2: Mix in the sauce and bacon bits

Off the heat, add your bacon bits, mayo, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder right into the pan. I stir everything thoroughly until the beef is well coated and the flavors meld. This sauce is what really gives the casserole that unmistakable cheeseburger flair, so don’t skip the mixing!

Step 3: Assemble the casserole

Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish—this helps with cleanup and keeps the tots from sticking. Spread the beef mixture evenly along the bottom, then sprinkle on a generous layer of that shredded cheese blend. Now, lay a single layer of frozen tater tots all over the top. This layer bakes into a crispy, golden crown that locks in all the juicy flavors beneath. I find a single layer works best to get them perfectly crispy.

Step 4: Bake and finish with toppings

Pop the casserole into a 400°F oven and bake for 35 minutes—this is key for melting the cheese and cooking the tots until golden. When the time’s up, take it out and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and bacon bits on top for an extra ooey-gooey, smoky finish. Return it to the oven for another 6-8 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown slightly. Then, let it rest for a few minutes—it helps all those layers settle so you can scoop out perfect portions.

How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping mine with a bit of chopped green onion or fresh parsley for color and a mild freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ketchup on the side brings back that true cheeseburger vibe my family loves.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I enjoy pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies to lighten the plate. For a fun veggie side, roasted broccoli or a tangy coleslaw really complements the rich cheese and meat flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a little extra cheese and bacon, making each portion feel like a personal indulgence. It also looks super cute with a sprig of fresh herbs on top—elevating this comfort food into a party-worthy dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge and usually eat them within 2-3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and the casserole reheats nicely if you follow a few simple steps.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before with great results—just assemble it but don’t bake, then wrap it well with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, bake from frozen adding about 15-20 extra minutes. It’s a lifesaver for planning meals ahead.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F to keep tater tots crispy and cheese melty. Microwave works in a pinch but can make tots a bit soggy. I like to cover loosely with foil while reheating to avoid drying out the beef layer.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it combines so many beloved flavors in a way that’s easy, comforting, and downright delicious. I hope you give it a try soon—you’ll appreciate how simple it is to pull off and how everyone will ask for seconds. If you ever want a cozy hug in casserole form, this is exactly what you need!

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