Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots come together in a single baking dish, finished with a blanket of gooey cheddar cheese. A hint of Montreal Steak Seasoning and a touch of sour cream bring extra flavor and creaminess throughout the dish. In just under an hour, you'll have a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal ideal for busy weeknights. The appeal of this casserole lies in its combination of familiar burger flavors, all baked into a warming, shareable comfort food that's sure to satisfy both kids and adults around your table.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:04:45 GMT
A delicious bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole. Save
A delicious bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole. | lilicooks.com

Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole brings together all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger in one comforting dish layered with golden crispy tater tots. This weeknight casserole gets a boost from smoky bacon and tangy sour cream making it an easy crowd-pleaser. It is my go-to when I want something hearty and fun that the whole family will dig into with smiles.

The first time I made this was for a family game night thinking it might be a hit It was gone before I could even sit down My husband requests it every time chilly weather rolls in

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Makes this casserole filling and satisfying Always go for fresh meat with a rich red color
  • Cheddar cheese soup: Delivers creamy cheesiness Choose a brand with a sharp cheesy flavor
  • Sour cream: Adds a touch of tang and keeps the mixture moist Use full-fat for best texture
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a gooey melty layer Look for block cheese you shred yourself for the best melt
  • Chopped bacon: Infuses smoky salty bites Go for thick cut bacon and cook until just crisp
  • Yellow onion: Builds savory sweetness and depth Pick a firm onion without soft or green spots
  • Montreal Steak Seasoning: Rounds out the burger flavor with a punch of spice Use a fresh blend for the most aroma
  • Tater tots: The classic crispy topper Pick a bag with evenly sized tots to brown evenly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Tater Tots:
Spread tater tots in a baking dish and bake in a hot oven for 10 minutes This gives them a head start on crisping up so they stay crispy after baking
Brown the Beef and Onions:
Cook the ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium high heat Stir and break up the meat until all the pink is gone and onions are softened Drain off any extra fat for a less greasy casserole
Season and Add Mixins:
Sprinkle in the Montreal Steak Seasoning Stir in the cheddar cheese soup sour cream and bacon Mix everything together well so every bite gets flavor
Assemble the Casserole:
Spoon the beef mixture over the partly baked tater tots Spread it out then add the rest of the tater tots even on top Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese to cover
Bake to Finish:
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the tater tots are golden and crisp and the cheese is bubbling Let cool briefly before serving
A delicious bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole. Save
A delicious bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole. | lilicooks.com

My favorite ingredient is the crispy bacon I love prepping extra just to snack on as I cook Once when we had a family cookout my nephew insisted on being the bacon taste tester Now it is tradition that someone sneaks a bite or two before the casserole goes into the oven

Storage Tips

Leftovers hold up well in an airtight container for three days Chill the casserole and reheat individual squares in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back that tot crunch If you plan on freezing it assemble but stop before the final bake Wrap tightly and store up to two months Unwrap and bake from frozen adding a bit more time as needed

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant based crumbles for a lighter twist If cheddar cheese soup is not your favorite cream of mushroom or cream of bacon soups work too Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can replace cheddar for a little kick If you are out of tater tots small hash brown rounds can pinch hit in a pinch

A delicious bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole. Save
A delicious bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole right from the pan with a simple green salad or side of steamed green beans Try a dollop of extra sour cream or a drizzle of burger sauce on top when plating When we have leftovers they make a fun and quick breakfast with a fried egg on top

Cultural Context

Casseroles have always been a part of American potluck and comfort food traditions The combination of tater tots and ground beef is classic Midwest Studded with bacon and melty cheese it combines diner nostalgia with weeknight ease My Midwest relatives swear by adding a layer of dill pickles inside giving a little tang and crunch

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. While cheddar adds a classic touch, Monterey Jack or mozzarella work well for a creamier texture or milder flavor.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the components ahead of time. Store it covered in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be used in place of beef, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

→ How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

Pre-baking the tater tots before adding them to the casserole helps lock in their crunch, even after baking with the other ingredients.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or classic coleslaw make excellent sides to balance the hearty flavors.

Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Packed with ground beef, bacon, and melty cheddar, this dish brings classic comfort in every bite.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef
02 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
03 ½ cup sour cream
04 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
05 1 cup chopped bacon
06 ½ yellow onion, diced
07 1 teaspoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
08 28 ounces frozen Tater Tots

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange tater tots in a baking dish and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Step 02

In a skillet over medium-high heat, combine ground beef and diced onions. Cook until no pink remains in the meat. Drain any excess grease and season with Montreal Steak Seasoning.

Step 03

Stir in cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and chopped bacon into the cooked beef mixture. Pour the mixture over the pre-baked tater tots in the dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 04

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Serve and enjoy!

Required Tools

  • Baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese soup)
  • Contains gluten (cheddar cheese soup, potential cross-contact in Tater Tots)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 475
  • Fats: 29.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31.5 g
  • Proteins: 17.8 g