Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

If you love the flavors of a loaded bacon cheeseburger but want something easy, family-friendly, and oven-ready, this Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is about to become your new go-to dinner. It’s a comfort food mashup that hits every craving: savory ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and golden tater tots—all baked into one crowd-pleasing dish.

This casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It starts with a beef and onion base, made extra rich with cream of mushroom or cheddar soup, then enhanced with ketchup and mustard to mimic that classic burger taste. A layer of frozen tater tots provides the crunch, while cheddar cheese and crispy bacon tie it all together in gooey, smoky perfection.

One of the best parts about this dish is its versatility. It’s easy to make ahead, freeze, or reheat for leftovers. You can customize it with your favorite burger toppings—think pickles, jalapeños, or a drizzle of special sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and hits that nostalgic spot with every bite.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a fun, low-effort dinner that feels like a treat, this casserole checks all the boxes. Serve it with a green salad or some roasted veggies to round out the meal—and watch it disappear fast.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cheddar soup
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped pickles or green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Stir in the cream soup, ketchup, mustard, half of the crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese and the rest of the bacon over the tater tots.
7. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
8. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped pickles or green onions, if desired.

Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use pepper jack cheese.
• BBQ Twist: Swap the ketchup for barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor profile.
• Vegetable Add-In: Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach to sneak in some veggies.
• Dill Pickle Power: Top with chopped dill pickles right before serving for an extra tangy bite.

Tips:

• Make sure to fully cook and drain the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
• For extra crisp tater tots, bake them for 10 minutes on a sheet pan before adding to the casserole.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
• This casserole freezes well—just assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Add 15–20 minutes to the bake time if cooking from frozen.