Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

This Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with crispy tater tots for a crowd-pleasing dish. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings. With layers of savory beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tots, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• All-in-One Dish: Combines ground beef, cheese, bacon, and tater tots into one hearty meal.
• Customizable: Add toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or extra cheese for a personalized touch.
• Kid-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike—cheeseburgers meet tater tots in the best way possible!

 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• ¼ cup sour cream

 Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking pan.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes .
2. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Stir in the ketchup , mustard , and sour cream until well combined. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
2. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
3. Top with the crumbled cooked bacon .
4. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top, covering the entire surface.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes , or until the tater tots are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
2. If the tops of the tots begin to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Serve warm as-is or with optional toppings like sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or extra sour cream for dipping.

Tips for Success:

• Add Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the beef mixture for added nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting cold.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freeze Option: Freeze unbaked casserole (without cooking) for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 8):

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~15g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Fat: ~20g

Enjoy this Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole as a comforting, indulgent dish that brings together all your favorite flavors in one pan. Its crispy, cheesy goodness makes it a guaranteed winner at any table!