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