Hearty Slow Cooker Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand hearty, comforting meals that satisfy deep hunger pangs.

This slow cooker turkey bacon cheeseburger casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Packed with savory ground turkey and crispy bacon, the dish combines classic cheeseburger elements into one delectable casserole.

Rich, melted cheese blankets tender meat and creates a mouthwatering blend of textures.

Every forkful promises a delightful journey through familiar burger flavors.

The slow cooker method ensures tender, juicy meat that falls apart effortlessly.

Serve this crowd-pleasing casserole and watch friends and family dive in with enthusiasm.

Great Pairings for This Slow Cooked Dish

• Pair with Crisp Beer Blast: Grab a cold, hoppy IPA or light lager that cuts through the rich, cheesy casserole and complements the meaty flavors. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Boost with Zesty Pickle Sidekick: Create a quick pickle salad with diced cucumbers, red onions, and a tangy vinegar dressing. This bright, acidic side dish balances the casserole's heaviness and adds fresh crunch.
• Refresh with Crisp Coleslaw Companion: Whip up a creamy, tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo-vinegar dressing. Its cool, crunchy texture contrasts perfectly with the warm, gooey casserole.
• Elevate with Garden Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The fresh, light salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, hearty main dish.

Easy Mix-Ins for Cheeseburger Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Replace tater tots with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the cheesy, savory flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils, keeping the cheese and bacon elements for a meatless alternative that still delivers hearty satisfaction.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free condensed cheese soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities while preserving the classic comfort food essence.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Incorporate feta cheese, swap turkey bacon for crispy prosciutto, and add diced bell peppers to create a Mediterranean-style casserole with a fresh, zesty undertone.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly in this recipe. It provides a leaner protein option while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?

Absolutely. Browning the meat first helps develop deeper flavors and removes excess fat, which enhances the overall taste of the casserole.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply assemble the casserole in the slow cooker and start cooking.

• How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Consider adding extra cheese, using mild seasonings, or cutting the pickles into smaller pieces to make it more appealing to children.

Why This Cheeseburger Casserole Hits All the Notes

• Kid and Crowd-Pleaser: Combines beloved ingredients like tater tots, bacon, and cheese that appeal to both children and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Allows busy home cooks to prepare a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time, perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customizable Crowd-Wowing Dish: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like pickles, ketchup, and mustard, letting everyone personalize their serving and create their perfect cheeseburger experience.

What Goes Into This Slow Cooker Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat base for a classic cheeseburger flavor.
• Turkey Bacon: Crispy protein that adds smoky goodness.

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato bites that create a delicious foundation.

• Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup: Creamy sauce for rich flavor.
• Milk: Helps create smooth cheese mixture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that adds classic cheeseburger taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor-boosting ingredients for depth.

• Pickles, Ketchup, Mustard: Classic cheeseburger condiments for extra zing.

How to Prepare Cheeseburger Casserole in a Crockpot

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Tumble ground beef into the pan and cook until it transforms into a rich, caramel-brown color.

Carefully drain away any excess fat, leaving behind a lean and flavorful meat base.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same skillet.

Let them dance and sizzle until the onions become translucent and release their irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Blend

• Condensed cheddar cheese soup
• Milk

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Fusion

• Cooked beef from Step 2
• Crumbled turkey bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until every ingredient is deliciously intertwined.

Step 5: Build the Casserole Foundation

Spread a generous layer of frozen tater tots across the bottom of your slow cooker.

This creates a crispy base for your flavor-packed dish.

Step 6: Pour the Meaty Mixture

Carefully pour the beef and cheese blend over the tater tots, ensuring an even distribution that promises taste in every bite.

Step 7: Crown with Crispy Tots

Arrange the remaining tater tots on top of the beef mixture, creating a golden, crispy landscape.

Step 8: Cheese Finale

Shower the top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, creating a melty, gooey blanket.

Step 9: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for 4-5 hours.

The result will be a bubbling, cheese-laden masterpiece that screams comfort food.

Step 10: Serve with Flair

Scoop out generous portions onto plates.

Sprinkle with chopped pickles for a tangy kick.

Set out ketchup and mustard on the side for that classic cheeseburger experience.

Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Flavor

• Remove excess grease completely to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a crispy texture.
• Swap turkey bacon for regular bacon or crispy pancetta to add different flavor profiles and suit personal preferences.
• Distribute tater tots evenly for consistent cooking and maximum crispiness in every bite.
• Whisk cheese soup and milk slowly and thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy base without lumps.
• Sprinkle dried herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving to add fresh, bright notes and elevate the dish's taste.

How to Keep Cheeseburger Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Slow Cooker Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker turkey bacon cheeseburger casserole delivers classic comfort in one satisfying dish. Family-friendly layers of savory turkey, crisp bacon, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauce Components:

• 1 (10.75 ounces/305 grams) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Starch and Seasonings:

• 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) package frozen tater tots
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped pickles
• Ketchup
• Mustard

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Instructions

1. Transform ground beef into a delectable base by browning thoroughly in a skillet, ensuring complete rendering of fat and developing rich caramelized flavors.
2. Elevate the meat’s profile by introducing aromatic onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent and releasing their fragrant essence.
3. Create a velvety binding sauce by whisking condensed cheddar cheese soup with milk, generating a smooth, creamy foundation for the casserole.
4. Incorporate crumbled turkey bacon into the mixture, blending savory meat elements and adding depth to the overall flavor profile.
5. Integrate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring meticulously to distribute ingredients uniformly throughout the mixture.
6. Establish a foundational layer of frozen tater tots across the slow cooker’s bottom, creating a crispy potato base.
7. Carefully pour the seasoned beef and cheese mixture over the tater tots, ensuring even coverage and consistent distribution.
8. Strategically arrange the remaining tater tots atop the beef layer, creating a visually appealing and textural top surface.
9. Generously sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese, allowing for maximum melting and golden-brown potential.
10. Slow cook the casserole on low temperature for 4-5 hours, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to become perfectly heated and integrated.
11. Finish by garnishing with chopped pickles for a tangy accent, and serve alongside classic condiments like ketchup and mustard for an authentic cheeseburger experience.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and maintain a rich, hearty texture without sogginess.
• Replace tater tots with cauliflower or sweet potato cubes for a lower-carb, nutrient-dense alternative that still provides satisfying crunch.
• Pre-cook turkey bacon until extra crispy to ensure maximum flavor and prevent sogginess in the final dish, enhancing overall texture and taste.
• Use lean ground turkey or chicken as a healthier protein swap that keeps the classic cheeseburger flavor profile while reducing total fat content.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg