There are meals that simply nourish — and then there are meals that comfort, indulge, and wrap you up like a warm blanket on a cold day. Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a masterpiece in comfort food. It fuses the juicy satisfaction of a cheeseburger, the golden crisp of tater tots, rich melted cheese, and the smoky, savory crunch of beef bacon, all baked into one bubbling, flavor-packed dish.
Perfect for busy weeknights, game-day feasts, family gatherings, or potluck parties, this casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare, hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites, and flexible enough to adapt to your tastes. One bite, and you’ll see why this casserole is always a hit.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole Base:
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1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
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½ cup sour cream
-
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
For the Topping:
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8 slices of beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
-
½ cup cheddar cheese (additional for topping)
-
¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned. Add the diced onions and continue cooking until they’re soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasoning
To the skillet, add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, the condensed cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Stir everything together until well blended and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the beef. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Step 5: Bake and Top
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown. Remove the casserole and sprinkle crumbled beef bacon and extra cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Variation
Want to shake things up? Here are a few tasty twists:
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
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BBQ Style: Use BBQ sauce instead of Worcestershire and top with pepper jack cheese.
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Low Carb Option: Use cauliflower tots in place of traditional tater tots.
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Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef layer.
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Halal-Friendly: With beef bacon, this dish can easily fit halal dietary needs — just make sure all products are certified halal.
COOKING Note:
Broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking if you want that beautiful bubbly cheese top and ultra-crispy tater tots. Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving — it’ll slice easier and won’t burn your tongue!
Serving Suggestions:
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Fresh Green Salad – adds balance to the richness.
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Pickled Veggies or Jalapeños – for a bright, zesty contrast.
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Classic Coleslaw – creamy and refreshing side dish.
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Cornbread or Rolls – to mop up every last bit of cheesy goodness.
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Crisp Iced Tea or Lemonade – a light drink to round out the meal.
Tips:
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Use Pre-Cooked Beef Bacon: It crisps up quickly and cuts down on prep time.
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Freeze for Future Meals: Freeze before baking and store up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight and bake as instructed.
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Crunchy Top Hack: Bake the tater tots alone for 10 minutes before layering them into the dish — it gives you that unbeatable crisp.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 8 servings):
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Calories: 610
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Protein: 27g
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Sodium: 800mg
Note: Nutritional values vary based on brands and exact measurements.
FAQs
Q: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives and still pair well with beef bacon.
Q: Is beef bacon as crispy as pork bacon?
A: Beef bacon can be just as crispy when cooked properly. Cook it slowly over medium heat for the best texture.
Q: How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
A: Make sure to cook off any excess liquid from the beef and avoid overloading the creamy mixture.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, use dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and soup alternatives — many brands offer vegan and lactose-free options.
Q: Can this dish be prepped in advance?
A: Definitely. Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a dinner that’s comforting, flavorful, and unapologetically indulgent, this Cheesy Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is calling your name. It combines everything we love in a good casserole — beefy richness, crispy tots, gooey cheese, and smoky beef bacon — into one irresistibly satisfying dish.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, treating yourself after a long day, or hosting a hungry crowd, this recipe never disappoints. It’s warm, cheesy, meaty, and layered with love. Make it once, and it just might become your new favorite.
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Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
-
1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
-
1 medium yellow onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
-
½ cup sour cream
-
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
For the Topping:
-
8 slices of beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
-
½ cup cheddar cheese (additional for topping)
-
¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned. Add the diced onions and continue cooking until they’re soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Drain excess fat if necessary.
To the skillet, add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, the condensed cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Stir everything together until well blended and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the beef. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown. Remove the casserole and sprinkle crumbled beef bacon and extra cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
Broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking if you want that beautiful bubbly cheese top and ultra-crispy tater tots. Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving — it’ll slice easier and won’t burn your tongue!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 610
- Sodium: 800mg
- Protein: 27g