Description
Cheesy bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole delivers comfort food magic straight from midwestern kitchens. Hearty layers of crispy tots, savory ground beef, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing dinner that satisfies deep hunger and brings family together.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 (32 oz / 900 g) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mustard
- ¼ cup (60 ml) BBQ sauce (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping Ingredients:
- ½ cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (60 g) pickles, diced (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking surface by coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light layer of cooking spray and warming the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).
- Transform ground beef into a savory base by browning it thoroughly in a large skillet, eliminating excess fat. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence. Infuse the mixture with tangy ketchup, zesty mustard, smoky BBQ sauce, vibrant smoked paprika, and a whisper of salt and pepper. Allow the flavors to meld and simmer gently.
- Construct the casserole foundation by spreading the robust beef mixture evenly across the prepared dish. Cascade a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese, creating a melty landscape. Meticulously arrange tater tots in a uniform blanket, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the assembled creation into the preheated oven, allowing the tots to transform into golden, crispy sentinels for 25-30 minutes.
- Elevate the dish by showering the remaining cheddar, delicate mozzarella, and crisp bacon fragments across the surface. Return to the oven for a brief 5-10 minute finale, watching the cheese bubble and dance.
- Retrieve the bubbling masterpiece, adorning it with optional garnishes of briny pickles, verdant green onions, or fresh parsley. Serve immediately, accompanied by a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, indulgent flavors.
Notes
- Customize meat choices by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium ketchup and choosing reduced-fat cheese varieties without compromising flavor intensity.
- Create make-ahead magic by preparing the casserole up to the baking stage, then refrigerating for up to 24 hours before cooking, which helps flavors meld beautifully.
- Add extra veggie nutrition by mixing finely chopped bell peppers or spinach into the ground beef mixture, boosting overall meal healthiness without changing the classic comfort food profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg