Description
This Bacon Cheeseburger Tot Bake combines crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and cheesy layers of sharp cheddar with golden tater tots for a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish layers savory flavors and textures baked to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 6 slices of bacon (chopped prior to cooking)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small white onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 teaspoon of table salt
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons of tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of classic yellow mustard
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
Topping
- 1 32-ounce package of frozen potato tots
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (divided into two 1-cup portions)
- 2 stalks of green onions (thinly sliced, optional for topping)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Discard excess grease but leave about one tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
- Sauté Beef and Onion: Add ground beef and diced onion to the same skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and onions are softened. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking briefly until aromatic.
- Add Sauces and Bacon: Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and the cooked bacon pieces into the beef mixture until well combined.
- Blend in Creamy Ingredients: Lower heat to low and fold in the cheddar cheese soup and sour cream to create a smooth, creamy beef mixture. Remove from heat once combined.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Arrange frozen tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the tater tots are crisp and golden.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest briefly before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the top cheese for 1-2 minutes instead of just baking.
- Substitute turkey bacon or lean ground turkey for a lighter variation.
- If you prefer spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the beef mixture.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the tots to maintain their crisp texture after baking.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated, though tots may lose some crispness.
