Loaded Smoky Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
This Loaded Smoky Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with crispy tater tots, smoky bacon, seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce, it brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks, this dish is rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer:
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce Layer:
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise (or ranch dressing)
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
For the Casserole:
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
¼ cup pickles, chopped (optional, for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Total Time: 45-50 minutes (Prep: 10 min | Cook: 35-40 min)
Step 1: Cook the Bacon & Beef
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
5. In a bowl, mix together cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
6. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese over the beef.
8. Pour and spread the sauce mixture evenly on top.
9. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the sauce.
10. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until tots are crispy.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
11. Sprinkle remaining 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese and cooked bacon on top. Bake for 5-10 more minutes, until cheese is melted.
12. Garnish with chopped pickles and green onions. Serve hot!
Nutritional Information
Calories: 580 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 39g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 950mg
(Nutrition varies based on ingredients and portion sizes.)
Notes & Tips
Want it extra smoky: Use smoked cheddar or chipotle powder.
Make it spicy: by adding jalapenos or extra hot sauce.
Need a lighter version: Use ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes for best results.
Serving suggestion: Great with a side salad or roasted veggies for balance.