Go Back

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole brings burger flavor to a baked, cheesy tater tot casserole with crispy golden topping. Layers of browned ground beef, bacon, and a creamy cheddar-milk sauce bake until bubbly, then finish with melted cheddar and fresh green onions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 760
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole
  • 2 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 3 garlic
  • 8 bacon
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Toppings
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 cup green onions
  • 1 extra crumbled bacon
  • 1 dill pickle slices optional
  • 1 diced tomatoes optional

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the lean ground beef and diced yellow onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is browned, then drain excess grease.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and yellow mustard until combined.
  5. Mix in the condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and whole milk until smooth.
  6. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the cooked and crumbled bacon until the cheese is melted.
  7. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
  9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the tater tots are crisp and golden.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and bacon over the casserole, then return to the oven for 5–8 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Finish and serve
  1. Top with sliced green onions and serve with extra crumbled bacon.
  2. If desired, add dill pickle slices and diced tomatoes as optional toppings before serving.

Notes

Pro tip: drain bacon fat and any excess grease after browning so the sauce stays thick and doesn’t turn watery. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days; reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the tater tots can lose crunch. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheddar and low-fat sour cream for a similar flavor with less fat.