Sizzling Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole with Turkey Bacon Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheeseburger tater tot casserole packed with turkey bacon.

Layers of savory ground beef blend perfectly with crispy golden potato nuggets.

Melted cheese creates a rich, indulgent backdrop that makes every bite sing with flavor.

Each spoonful promises a delightful mix of classic burger elements transformed into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish.

The combination of seasoned meat, cheese, and crispy tots delivers a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Hungry diners will devour this crowd-pleasing casserole that brings all the best flavors of a cheeseburger into one delicious pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Casserole

• Ground Beef: Lean and flavorful base for the casserole.
• Turkey Bacon: Crispy and smoky protein addition.

• Cheddar Cheese Condensed Soup, Sour Cream, Milk, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy and rich components that bring comfort.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Zesty and aromatic spices that boost the overall taste.

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato bites that create the casserole's signature texture.

How to Bake Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Brown The Ground Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the meat with a spatula as it cooks until perfectly browned.

Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Amp Up The Flavor

• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together so the beef gets totally coated with delicious spices.

Step 4: Create A Creamy Base

• Cheddar cheese condensed soup
• Sour cream
• Chopped turkey bacon
• Milk

Stir until the beef is completely covered in this rich, creamy goodness.

Step 5: Build Your Casserole

Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared pan.

Scatter frozen tater tots across the top.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.

Gently blend all ingredients.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Spread the mixture evenly in the pan.

Slide into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the top turns golden brown.

Step 7: Serve And Devour

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Dish up while it’s hot and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips for That Crispy, Savory Finish

• Crisp the turkey bacon separately before chopping to enhance its smoky flavor and add extra crunch to the casserole.
• Always drain excess fat from ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Sprinkle half the cheese mixture under the tater tots and half on top for maximum melty goodness and even flavor distribution.
• Replace regular condensed soup with low-sodium versions to control salt intake without compromising taste.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat This Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping its delicious flavors intact.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months; label with the date for easy tracking.
• Restore crispiness by warming at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Quick reheat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

What Complements Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake

• Pair a Crisp Beer Companion: Crack open a cold, hoppy IPA or a refreshing light lager to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and complement its hearty flavors.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad Sidekick: Toss a zesty green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy texture and add a bright, crisp element.
• Cool Down with Creamy Dip: Whip up a quick ranch or blue cheese dip with sour cream, herbs, and a dash of garlic powder to enhance the casserole's savory notes and provide a cool, creamy contrast.
• Refresh with Citrus Mocktail: Mix a sparkling lemonade or orange-infused mocktail to cleanse the palate and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy dish.

Flavor Combos to Change Up the Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or black beans, using vegetarian cheese and meatless bacon alternatives for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Swap tater tots with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy, cheesy texture of the original casserole.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free condensed soup, certified gluten-free tater tots, and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives, use coconut milk instead of regular milk, and select dairy-free soup options for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Are tater tots used as a topping or mixed into the casserole?

Tater tots are added on top and gently mixed into the beef mixture, creating a crispy, golden layer throughout the casserole.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as alternative protein options in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for kids. The combination of cheese, bacon, and tater tots makes it a crowd-pleaser that children typically love. The flavors are mild and comforting.

• How can I make this dish a bit healthier?

Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, opt for low-fat cheese and soup, and add some diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value.

Why This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake Is a Crowd Pleaser

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for satisfying hungry families with its hearty, cheesy goodness that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Versatile Meal Option: Transform a classic cheeseburger into a convenient casserole that works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Stretch your grocery budget with this economical dish that delivers maximum flavor using affordable ingredients like ground beef and frozen tater tots.

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole With Turkey Bacon Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole brings classic American comfort to dinner tables with a crispy potato topping and savory ground meat blend. Comfort meets convenience in this crowd-pleasing dish that promises satisfying flavor in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.75 cup turkey bacon, cooked and chopped

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5 ounces) can cheddar cheese condensed soup
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 0.5 cup milk

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 32 ounces frozen tater tots (keep frozen)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling meat until completely browned. Eliminate excess grease through draining.
3. Infuse the beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Create a rich sauce by incorporating condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, chopped turkey bacon, and milk into the seasoned beef. Stir until ingredients are completely integrated.
5. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking pan, ensuring uniform distribution.
6. Scatter frozen tater tots across the surface, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole. Gently fold ingredients to blend without disturbing the bottom layer.
7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and bubbling sauce.
8. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to help set the ingredients and enhance flavor melding.
9. Serve immediately while hot, offering a comforting and hearty meal that combines classic cheeseburger and potato elements.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a crispy tater tot top layer.
• Enhance flavor by adding diced onions or bell peppers when browning the meat for extra texture and depth.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soup and bacon, making the dish more heart-friendly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg