If there’s one dish that never fails to put a smile on my family’s faces, it’s this Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. Imagine all the best parts of a cheeseburger—juicy beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese—coming together in a cozy, slow-cooked casserole. This recipe is a hit in our house, especially on those nights when we crave comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s hearty, it’s cheesy, and trust me, it’s like having your favorite drive-thru treat right at home—minus the takeout bag!
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is the ultimate in easy, hands-off cooking. Just brown your beef, mix up the cheesy goodness, layer it all in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. It’s a crowd-pleaser—great for feeding hungry kids, picky eaters, or anyone who loves classic cheeseburger flavors. Plus, with the addition of tater tots, it’s like a cheeseburger and fries got together for a cozy, delicious reunion. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or a laid-back family dinner.
Ingredient Tips
For the ground beef, go for lean if you want to cut back on grease, but any variety will work since you’ll drain it anyway. The bacon adds that smoky, salty goodness, but if you’re short on time, pre-cooked bacon crumbles are a handy shortcut. The condensed cheddar cheese soup brings a rich, creamy base—if you prefer a homemade touch, you can make your own cheese sauce, but honestly, the canned stuff works perfectly.
As for the tater tots, any brand you love will do! You can even swap them for sweet potato tots for a fun twist. And when it comes to cheese, sharp cheddar gives the best bite, but feel free to mix in some Pepper Jack for a little kick.
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease—nobody wants a greasy casserole, right?
- Add the Aromatics: Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is tender and fragrant. This step really builds the flavor, so don’t rush it. You’ll start to smell those delicious burger vibes!
- Mix the Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup and milk until smooth and creamy. It’s like you’re setting the stage for all that gooey goodness.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked beef mixture, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir it all up until everything is well combined. The cheese is going to melt into every bite—yum!
- Layer the Tater Tots: Spread half of the frozen tater tots in the bottom of your slow cooker. This is like the crispy crust of your casserole, and it’s going to soak up all that cheesy, meaty flavor.
- Add the Beef Mixture: Pour the beef and cheese mixture over the tater tots, spreading it out evenly. Make sure every tot gets a little love!
- Top with More Tots: Arrange the remaining tater tots on top, creating a delicious, crispy layer. Trust me, this is where it gets good.
- Cheese It Up: Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. As it cooks, this cheese will melt down into a bubbly, golden blanket that’s impossible to resist.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. The casserole will be heated through, and the cheese will be melted and irresistibly bubbly. Your house is going to smell like a burger joint—in the best way!
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the casserole hot, garnished with chopped pickles if you’re feeling adventurous. And don’t forget to have some ketchup and mustard on the side—because what’s a cheeseburger without them?
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is pretty much a meal on its own, but if you want to go all out, serve it with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies to balance things out. For a true diner experience, whip up a batch of milkshakes or root beer floats to really bring the cheeseburger vibe home.
Storage/Meal Prep Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or pop it in the oven to bring back that fresh, crispy top. This dish also freezes well—just cut it into portions, wrap them up, and freeze for up to a month. It’s like having a homemade, cheesy TV dinner on hand anytime!
Variations
- Spicy Variation: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese mixture, or swap the cheddar for Pepper Jack for a little extra zing.
- Healthier Swap: Use ground turkey instead of beef, or mix in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a boost of color and nutrition.
- Low-Carb: Skip the tots and top the casserole with cauliflower florets instead—they roast up nicely and still soak in all that flavor.
Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 10.75 oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 16 oz package frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped pickles optional, for garnish
- Ketchup and mustard optional, for serving
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain grease.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until tender.
- In a bowl, whisk together soup and milk.
- Stir in beef, bacon, and 1 cup cheese.
- Layer half the tater tots in a slow cooker.
- Pour beef mixture over tots.
- Top with remaining tater tots.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Cook on low 4-5 hours.
- Serve hot with garnishes.