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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

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This loaded bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole combines all your favorite diner flavors—crispy bacon, juicy beef, gooey cheese, and golden tater tots—into one easy, crowd-pleasing family dinner. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for juicy flavor)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 4 cups frozen tater tots
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)
  • Pickle slices for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients and equipment.
  2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 8 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cool. Reserve some bacon grease.
  3. Add chopped onion to the skillet with a bit of reserved bacon fat and sauté until soft and golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Break apart and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, condensed soup, mustard, ketchup, and milk until smooth. Pour over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
  6. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese and half the crumbled bacon over the beef.
  7. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire surface.
  8. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the tots are golden and crunchy. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  9. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining cheddar and bacon over the hot tots, then return to oven for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted.
  10. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives and serve with pickle slices if desired.

Notes

For best results, use thick-cut bacon and arrange tater tots tightly in a single layer for maximum crunch. Let the casserole rest after baking to help set the layers. You can prep ahead and refrigerate before baking, or freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. For gluten-free, use GF soup and certified gluten-free tater tots. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger casserole, tater tot casserole, easy family dinner, comfort food, ground beef, cheesy casserole, potluck recipe, kid friendly, freezer meal

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