One chilly Sunday afternoon, I found myself in the kitchen, wrapped in my favorite flannel and sipping a mug of cocoa, when the grandkids piled in, declaring they needed “something awesome” for dinner. My first thought was something quick, comforting, and—if I’m honest—loaded with bacon. (Who isn’t obsessed with bacon?) Before I knew it, I had mashed together two of everyone’s favorites—the cheeseburger and the tater tot—into one glorious, gooey casserole. And let me tell you, it was a hit from the very first crunchy bite.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate one-pan wonder, bursting with melty cheddar, crispy tots, smoky bacon, and all the seasoned ground beef goodness of your favorite burger. It’s the kind of cozy, feel‐good meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for busy weeknights, casual get‐togethers, or whenever you just need a little edible hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under an hour (30 minutes active, 15–20 minutes baking)—because ain’t nobody got time for complicated dinners on a school night.
All in one skillet or casserole dish—fewer dishes mean more time snuggling on the couch afterward.
Kid‐friendly (and adult‐approved!)—cheese, bacon, and tots are basically magic ingredients that win hearts (and stomachs) of all ages.

Totally customizable—swap beef for turkey or plant‐based crumbles, mix up cheeses, add your favorite spices.
Pantry staples you already have—ketchup, mustard, onion, garlic. No fancy shopping trips required.
Freezer‐friendly (yes, really!)—assemble ahead, freeze, and bake when hunger strikes.

Balanced flavors—savory beef, tangy condiments, smoky bacon, sweet tots, with a hint of creamy tang from Greek yogurt.
Perfect for potlucks, game days, or inviting the neighbors over for a low‐key, craveable feast.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s a little rundown of what you’ll need and why each part matters (plus some easy swaps if you’re in a pinch):

Ground beef (1 lb, 93% lean): Keeps the casserole from being too greasy. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even plant-based “beef” crumbles if you’re dairy‐free or vegetarian.
Bacon (6 strips, thick‐cut): Applewood-smoked is my go‐to for that deep, cozy flavor—but feel free to use regular bacon or turkey bacon for a leaner twist. Chop it chunky so you get little smoky bites throughout.
Onion & garlic: A classic duo that’s non-negotiable for building flavor. White, yellow, or sweet onion all work. Skip the garlic if your littles can’t handle it, but I always try to sneak in at least a little!

Ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce: These three add that signature cheeseburger tang—don’t skip or skimp. If Dijon’s not your thing, you can use yellow mustard instead (just go lighter on the quantity).
Greek yogurt or sour cream (½ cup): This keeps things indulgent yet adds a touch of tangy brightness. I lean toward whole‐milk yogurt, but sour cream is fine too, or even crème fraîche in a pinch.
Cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded): Sharp cheddar is my personal obsession here, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack if you want a little heat. For extra gooeyness, sneak a handful under the tots.

Frozen tater tots (32 oz bag): The true MVP. Ore‐Ida or your store brand both work. You want a sturdy tot so it crisps up nicely on top.
Seasonings: Just salt and pepper to taste, plus a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions at the end for a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the oven. Crank it to 400°F. If you’re using a 9×13 casserole dish instead of a skillet, give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray or a rub of butter.

Cook the bacon. In a large, oven‐safe skillet over medium heat, lay in your chopped bacon. Stir occasionally until it’s crisp and golden—about 5–7 minutes. I always let my bacon get a little extra brown for that crunchy, smoky punch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper‐towel–lined plate, leaving about a tablespoon of the fat in the pan.
Brown the beef. Crank the heat up to medium‐high, then add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Season lightly with salt and pepper (you can always add more later). Break the meat up with your spatula, and cook until there’s no pink left and the onions are soft—around 6–8 minutes. If there’s an obvious pool of fat, carefully drain it off (you want flavor, not grease city).
Stir in the saucy goodness. Turn the heat back down to medium, then add ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until everything’s coated and the sauce reduces a touch, maybe 2 more minutes. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning with an extra pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little kick.

Layer on the creamy base. Turn off the heat. Dollop spoonfuls of Greek yogurt (or sour cream) evenly over the beef mixture. It looks weird at first (trust me), but this helps keep the casserole nice and creamy underneath the tots. Sprinkle about 1½ cups of your shredded cheese over the top, spreading it gently—this sticky cheese layer is what helps the tots adhere.
Top with tots & cheese. Arrange the tater tots in a single, snug layer across the skillet (or baking dish), covering every corner. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar over the tots, then scatter those crispy bacon bits on top. Admire how pretty it looks (for a hot second).
Bake until bubbly & golden. Slide the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and you see golden edges peeking through. For extra crunch on those tots, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes—just don’t walk away, because broiler timing is finicky.

Let it rest & garnish. Pull the casserole out and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. I know it’s hard, but this resting time helps everything set up so you get cleaner slices. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, grab your spatula, and serve straight from the pan. (Casual, no extra plates needed—my kind of meal!)

Variations & Flavor Twists

Turkey or Chicken Swap: Use ground turkey (or chicken) and center‐cut bacon for a lighter twist. Add a dash of smoked paprika to boost the flavor.
Veggie Boost: Stir in a cup of chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even steamed broccoli before topping with tots—nobody has to know!

Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a swirl of sriracha into the beef mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Cheeseburger Deluxe: Slide thin pickle slices and tomato rounds under the tots for little pops of freshness in every bite.
Dairy‐Free Option: Swap Greek yogurt for coconut cream and cheddar for your favorite vegan cheese shreds. Use turkey bacon to keep it lighter.

BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup and mustard with your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet, spicy, smoky—your call), then top with crispy fried onions.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for about 10 minutes, then remove foil for a few minutes to crisp the tots back up.
Freezer: To freeze unbaked, assemble through Step 6 (tots & cheese on top), cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and hot.

Microwave: For individual portions, zap on high for 1–2 minutes, then pop under the broiler or in a hot oven for 1–2 minutes to revive the crunch.
Make‐Ahead: Prep everything (even cook the beef), then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This trick is a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you’ve got company coming.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks—a simple, downright craveable casserole that takes all your favorite cheeseburger elements and tucks them under a blanket of crispy tater tots. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s perfect for feeding hungry families, game-day crowds, or anyone in need of a little midweek magic.

If you give this recipe a whirl, drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out (or what fun variations you tried!). I love hearing your tweaks and tips, and I’m always thrilled to see your kitchen creations. Happy cooking, friends, and here’s to many more easy, cheesy, bacon-y meals in our future!

Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

This one-pan Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is loaded with melty cheese, crispy tots, smoky bacon, and all the juicy ground beef flavors of your favorite cheeseburger—perfect for an easy, kid-friendly dinner.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean)

6 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped Applewood-smoked
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced

2 Tbsp ketchup Heinz brand recommended
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Sargento Extra Sharp recommended
1 (32-oz) bag frozen tater tots Ore-Ida or store brand

Salt and black pepper to taste
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a casserole dish or oven-safe skillet.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and leave 1 Tbsp of fat in the pan.
Increase heat to medium-high and brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in the bacon fat. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat.
Lower heat to medium and stir in ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until well coated and slightly thickened.

Turn off heat and add Greek yogurt/sour cream over the beef, then sprinkle 1½ cups of cheddar. Spread evenly to help tots stick.
Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering completely. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and bacon pieces on top.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for extra crunch if desired.

Let it rest, garnish with parsley or green onions, slice, and serve.

Notes

Draining beef well prevents sogginess. Resting helps layers set for clean slices. Crisping bacon first adds depth. Consider adding extra cheese under tots for gooey texture. Fresh chives in the yogurt layer add a touch of green.

Keyword Bacon, Casserole, Cheeseburger, Comfort Food, Tater Tots

Love this recipe?Follow us at @thenandnowspace for more