Are you looking for a hearty, cheesy, and incredibly delicious dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party meal? Then this Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is exactly what you need!This recipe combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with a crispy potato topping and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Juicy ground beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and golden brown tater tots come together to create an irresistible combination. It’s super easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, game day, or a potluck, this dish is always a winner!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this cheeseburger-inspired comfort food.
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (or substitute with 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp onion powder + ½ tsp paprika + ½ tsp salt)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 ml) cheddar cheese soup (or substitute with ¾ cup heavy cream + ½ cup melted cheddar)
- ½ cup (120 ml) water (to thin out the soup)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 (32 oz / 900 g) bag frozen tater tots
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions – How to Make the Perfect Casserole!
This easy casserole comes together in just 6 simple steps.
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned.
Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Season with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning, then stir well.
3️⃣ Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a bowl, mix the cheddar cheese soup with a little water to thin it out.
Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Add a layer of frozen tater tots, arranging them evenly over the beef.
- Pour the cheese sauce mixture over the tater tots.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
5️⃣ Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden & crispy and the cheese is melted & bubbly.
6️⃣ Add the Final Touch & Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with crumbled bacon. For extra freshness, you can also garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving – this helps the cheese set properly.
📌 Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole
✅ Want more flavor?
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or BBQ sauce to the ground beef for extra depth.
✅ Extra cheesy goodness!
Experiment with different cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or even a sharp white cheddar for a richer taste.
✅ Make it spicy:
Top with pickled jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
✅ Perfect for meal prep!
You can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling the layers, covering with plastic wrap, and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
🥗 What to Serve with This Casserole?
This dish is already rich & satisfying, but you can pair it with some simple sides for a complete meal:
- A fresh side salad with honey mustard dressing
- Guacamole or sour cream for dipping
- Crispy onion rings or nachos for extra crunch
- An ice-cold beer or soda to wash it down
⏳ Cooking Time & Portions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
🍽 Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Casserole!
This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect blend of savory ground beef, gooey melted cheese, crispy tater tots, and smoky bacon – making it a must-try for anyone who loves cheeseburgers and comfort food!
Would you give this recipe a try? Let me know in the comments! 🍔🧀🥓🔥 #TaterTotCasserole #CheeseburgerCasserole #ComfortFood