Print

Crispy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

crispy loaded bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A family-approved, easy-to-make casserole combining seasoned ground beef, crispy tater tots, bacon, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and delicious meal perfect for weeknights and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, diced pickles or pickle relish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove, drain on paper towels, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, drain excess bacon fat leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  7. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  8. Dollop half the creamy sauce over the beef and gently spread it out.
  9. Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese and half the chopped bacon evenly over the sauce layer.
  10. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire dish.
  11. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until tots are golden brown and crispy.
  12. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top.
  13. Return to oven for another 5-7 minutes until cheese melts perfectly gooey.
  14. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If tater tots seem pale halfway through baking, broil for 2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing. For gluten-free, check Worcestershire sauce and ketchup labels. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free cheese. Prepare beef mixture and sauce ahead to save time. Reheat covered with foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, tater tots, bacon cheeseburger, comfort food, family meal, easy dinner, loaded casserole

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-loaded-bacon-cheeseburger-tater-tot-casserole-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-family-meals/