Description
Savory Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole delivers comfort classic flavors in one skillet. Hearty layers of ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and golden tater tots create a satisfying meal that brings family together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups (240 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (60 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 (32 oz / 900 g) bag frozen tater tots
- ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mustard
- ¼ cup (60 ml) BBQ sauce (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup (60 g) pickles, diced (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tbsps chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until completely cooked, eliminating pink tones and draining excess fat, then incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Flavor Infusion: Blend ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, simmering for several minutes to develop a rich, harmonious taste profile.
- Layering Foundation: Spread the seasoned beef evenly in a greased baking dish, creating a robust base, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the meat to form a preliminary melty layer.
- Tater Tot Arrangement: Meticulously cover the cheese-meat base with frozen tater tots, arranging them in a precise, overlapping pattern to ensure complete coverage.
- Initial Baking Stage: Position the casserole in a preheated 375°F oven, allowing tater tots to transform into crispy, golden guardians of the savory underneath for approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Final Embellishment: Generously top the partially baked casserole with additional cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then scatter crisp bacon fragments across the surface, returning to the oven until cheese melts into a bubbling, enticing blanket.
- Serving Presentation: Remove from oven, optionally garnish with chopped green onions, diced pickles, or fresh parsley, and serve immediately alongside a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, indulgent main dish.
Notes
- Manage Meat Moisture: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure crispy tater tots.
- Layer Strategically: Spread cheese and meat evenly to create a consistent flavor profile in every bite.
- Control Bacon Crispness: Add bacon bits during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to maintain their satisfying crunch without burning.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef for lean turkey, use low-fat cheese, or create a vegetarian version with plant-based crumbles for healthier alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg