We all have those days when we just want something cheesy, comforting, and totally crowd-pleasing-this is that recipe! Tater Tot Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is like the love child of your favorite diner burger and a bubbling hotdish straight out of Grandma's kitchen.
Crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and juicy ground beef all come together in one glorious pan. It's weeknight magic with no drive-thru required.
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What makes this recipe irresistible
There's just something about this casserole that hits every comfort food craving in one swoop. You've got crispy golden tater tots, gooey melted cheese, savory ground beef, and smoky bites of bacon-all baked into one bubbling dish of joy. It's like your favorite cheeseburger got cozy under a blanket of tots. It's rich, hearty, and absolutely crowd-pleasing.
Whether you're feeding picky eaters, hungry teens, or just yourself after a long day, this casserole checks every box. Bonus? It's easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card below for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Tater Tot Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 10.5 ounce can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 6 slices bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 28 ounce bag frozen tater tots
- Optional toppings: chopped pickles tomatoes, green onions, or extra ketchup/mustard drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and steak seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 minute more.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese soup, cooked bacon, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread the beef mixture in the prepared casserole dish. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tots are golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve topped with your favorite burger fixings!
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Nutrition
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Yes, and you should! No need to thaw-just toss them right on top straight from the freezer.
You sure can. Cooked sausage or even leftover chopped ham work in a pinch, but bacon adds that smoky richness we all know and love.
Deb's top tip
As tempting as it is to dive in spoon-first the second it comes out of the oven, give your casserole 5-10 minutes to rest. This short wait helps the cheese set slightly and makes the casserole easier to serve without falling apart. It will still piping hot, but the layers hold together better. That way, you get that picture-perfect scoop with all the good stuff in every bite!
More tater tot recipes
If you're as tater tot-obsessed as I am (no judgment, it's a lifestyle!), then you'll definitely want to check out a few more tot-tastic recipes! My Tater Tot Shepherd's Pie is a hearty twist on the classic, swapping in tots for mashed potatoes. Because crispy always wins! And if you're craving something creamy and comforting, my Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a reader favorite that checks all the cozy dinner boxes.
For even more crispy, cheesy inspiration, don't miss the full collection in my Tater Tot Recipes category. It's your one-stop shop for all things golden, bubbly, and crowd-pleasing.
Serving suggestions
This loaded casserole is rich, cheesy, and downright indulgent, so pairing it with a few fresh, simple sides helps balance things out. A crisp green salad with ranch or Thousand Island dressing keeps the burger theme going and adds a nice crunch.
Steamed green beans or peas are quick, easy, and bring a little color to the plate. And don't skip the pickles on the side-sounds quirky, but it totally works! Round it all out with an ice-cold lemonade or go full diner-style with a classic milkshake for dessert!
Wrapping it up
This Tater Tot Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is exactly what happens when comfort food doesn't hold back. It's easy, indulgent, and totally unforgettable. Whether you're feeding a crowd or looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe is a keeper.
Be sure to pin it, share it, and leave a comment letting me know how your family liked it-especially if they went back for seconds (or thirds)!
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