Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful dinner idea that combines the comforting flavors of bacon cheeseburgers with the crispy perfection of tater tots. Each bite is loaded with savory goodness, featuring juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and a cheesy sauce that brings it all together. This dish is genuinely a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy get-together, when I craved something hearty yet easy to whip up. As I watched my guests devour every last bite, I knew I had found a keeper. The combination of crunchy, tater tots topping a rich, cheesy mixture is just too good to resist, making the Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole a staple in my home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With only 20 minutes of prep time, this dish is straightforward enough for a weeknight meal.
- Irresistible Flavor: The mix of bacon and cheddar creates an explosion of savory flavors that’s hard to beat!
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The layered look topped with golden tater tots is as fun to share as it is to eat.
- Flexible Serving: This casserole is perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or even brunch gatherings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for different diets, try swapping the beef with ground turkey for a lighter twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ounces thick-cut bacon: I recommend using quality thick-cut bacon for that extra chew and rich flavor. Feel free to add more if you love it crunchy on top.
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef: The perfect fat content gives flavor and juiciness; leaner beef can dry out in the oven.
- 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoning salt: This all-purpose seasoning adds a savory depth; you could substitute it with your favorite mix.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Just a touch to balance the richness; adjust to your taste.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is crucial for making the roux for the creamy sauce; stick to unsalted to control the flavor.
- 1 large red onion, diced: This adds sweetness and depth; you can use yellow onion if that’s what you have.
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings that aromatic zing; garlic powder could work in a pinch but won’t be as fragrant.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the cheese sauce; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A little goes a long way for that umami bite; remember to use gluten-free if necessary.
- 2 cups whole milk: This creates a creamy base; if you’re in a pinch, lower-fat milk will work but may alter the richness.
- 1 cup diced hamburger dill pickle slices: Adds a tangy crunch; if you prefer, sweet pickles can provide a different flavor.
- ¼ cup full-fat sour cream: This gives creaminess; Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
- 10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt; pre-shredded can contain anti-caking agents.
- 16-18 ounces frozen tater tots: Saves time and makes it crunchy; homemade tater tots can be a fun twist if you’re feeling ambitious.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F as you prepare your ingredients.
- Cook the Bacon: In a 12″ cast iron skillet, add the bacon slices over medium heat. Fry them gently, turning occasionally, until the fat renders and the bacon becomes chewy-crisp. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, chop the bacon into pieces.
- Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces and cook until it’s about ¾ browned. Drain any excess grease. Season the beef with Lawry’s seasoning salt and black pepper, stirring until fully browned. Remove the beef and place it onto a plate using a slotted spoon.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add 2 tablespoons of the butter into the skillet (with the leftover beef fat). When melted, mix in the diced onions. Stir occasionally for about 3 minutes or until they soften. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Slide the onion mixture to one side of the skillet. Tilt the pan so any juices run to the empty side. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the cleared space. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter, whisking constantly until it becomes a thick paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it begins to turn brown and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add Worcestershire sauce to the roux, whisking it in and cooking for another minute. Gradually add the milk while continuously whisking and scraping the bottom of the skillet. Bring the onions back into the mixture and stir in the cooked beef, chopped bacon, and diced pickles. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and 8 ounces of cheddar cheese, tasting to adjust seasoning as needed by adding more Lawry’s and black pepper.
- Assemble the Casserole: Level the beef mixture in the skillet evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, creating a 1″ border of cheeseburger gravy around the edges. Sprinkle with some Lawry’s seasoning and black pepper.
- Bake: Place your skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and heated throughout. Switch on the broiler and let it broil for about 4-5 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crisp.
- Add Final Touches: After removing from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of cheese over the tater tots and broil for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to blister.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle additional bacon, sliced red onions, pickles, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley as desired. Serve with ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping. Enjoy hot.
Storing & Reheating
Leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture might shift a bit, but a splash of milk or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating can help refresh its creaminess!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the bacon; you want it crispy but not too crunchy.
- Use room temperature ingredients for even melting of the cheese.
- Layer the tater tots evenly for consistent crispiness.
- Feel free to mix in vegetables or different types of cheese to suit your taste.
- If making ahead of time, assemble the casserole without baking and freeze it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if it’s frozen.
- Ensure you scrape the fond from the bottom well while making your sauce for a deeper flavor.
This savory dish is loved for its comforting essence and easy preparation. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors of beef, cheese, and crispy tots all in one satisfying bite. Experiment with the toppings and add-ins to make it truly yours, and don’t hesitate to make it part of your meal rotation!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this casserole?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can work well in the recipe. Just remember that the flavor and texture may change slightly, so adjust seasonings as needed.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can use plant-based ground meat alternatives and omit the bacon. Consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it without baking. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What are some good toppings or garnishes for this casserole?
Feel free to get creative! Top your casserole with sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, or even more cheese. Serve with condiments like barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or hot sauce on the side for extra flavor.
Print
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors with crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, this dish is comforting and satisfying, bringing joy to anyone who enjoys hearty homemade meals.
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces thick-cut bacon
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 2 teaspoons lawry's seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large red onion, diced
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup diced hamburger dill pickle slices
- ¼ cup full-fat sour cream
- 10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 16–18 ounces frozen tater tots
- cooked and chopped bacon
- red onion slices
- hamburger dill slices
- halved cherry tomatoes
- chopped parsley
- ketchup
- mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Fry bacon slices in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until crispy, then chop.
- Cook ground beef in the same skillet, drain fat, season with Lawry's and black pepper until browned, then remove.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet, add onions, and cook for 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Create a roux by adding remaining butter to the skillet, then whisk in flour and cook until fragrant.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, whisk in milk, then mix in the onion and beef.
- Stir in diced pickles and chopped bacon, then mix in sour cream and 8 ounces of cheese. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet, top with tater tots, and sprinkle with seasoning.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly, then broil for 4-5 minutes until tots are golden.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and broil for another 1-2 minutes until melted.
- Garnish as desired and serve hot with ketchup and mustard.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Feel free to add more bacon for extra flavor and topping.
This casserole can be prepared in advance and baked later for convenience.
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or other chili peppers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
