Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Name: Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 1 tbsp Kinder’s Caramelized Onion Butter Burger Seasoning; 1 tbsp Kinder’s Buttery Garlic & Herb Seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 32 oz bag frozen tater tots; 12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled; parsley flakes, for garnish

Bacon cheeseburger flavor baked under a crispy layer of golden tater tots is the kind of casserole that hits the table and immediately gets everyone’s attention.

The ground beef and onion cook together first, then get seasoned with burger-style seasonings, garlic powder, and onion powder before turning into a creamy, cheesy filling. Cream of mushroom soup and sour cream make the beef layer rich while cheddar cheese melts right into the mixture.

The frozen tater tots bake on top until crisp, then more cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon get added for that loaded cheeseburger finish. Every scoop has seasoned beef, creamy sauce, melted cheese, smoky bacon, and crispy potatoes all in one bite.

It is simple, filling, and exactly the kind of no-fancy-ingredients dinner that works for busy nights, family meals, and anyone who loves a good comfort food casserole.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese, and cheeseburger flavor.
Crispy tater tots bake right on top.
Easy family-style casserole with simple ingredients.
Creamy beef filling underneath a golden potato topping.
Perfect comfort food dinner for busy nights.

Ingredients

This recipe combines ground beef, onion, burger-style seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, frozen tater tots, and bacon into a hearty baked casserole. The beef mixture becomes creamy and savory while the tater tots bake crispy on top.

The final layer of cheddar cheese and bacon gives the casserole a loaded cheeseburger flavor, while parsley flakes add a little color before serving. It is rich, easy, and perfect for feeding a hungry family.

1 lb ground beef
1 diced onion
1 tablespoon Kinder’s Caramelized Onion Butter Burger Seasoning
1 tablespoon Kinder’s Buttery Garlic & Herb Seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
Parsley flakes, for garnish

How To Make Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Cook Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season Beef

Season the beef mixture with the Kinder’s Caramelized Onion Butter Burger Seasoning, Kinder’s Buttery Garlic & Herb Seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Make Creamy Filling

Add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until creamy and well combined.

Step 5: Add to Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 6: Add Tater Tots

Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Bacon

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Top with the cooked bacon.

Step 9: Finish Baking

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with parsley flakes and serve hot.

Recipe Variations

Diced pickles can be sprinkled over the finished casserole for a true cheeseburger-style flavor. Add them after baking so they stay crunchy and tangy.
Pepper jack cheese can replace some of the cheddar if you want a little heat. It melts well and adds a spicy kick that pairs nicely with the bacon and beef.
A drizzle of burger sauce or ranch dressing over the top before serving makes the casserole even more loaded. Add it after baking so the sauce stays creamy and fresh.
Cooked mushrooms can be added to the beef mixture for extra savory flavor. They work especially well with the cream of mushroom soup and burger seasoning.
Ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter version. The seasonings, sour cream, cheese, and bacon still keep the casserole flavorful and satisfying.

Tips for Success

Drain the ground beef well so the casserole filling stays creamy instead of greasy.
Arrange the tater tots in a single even layer so they crisp up properly.
Bake uncovered the entire time for the best tater tot texture.
Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese if you want the smoothest melt.
Add the bacon near the end so it keeps more of its crispy texture.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving so the filling thickens slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom?

Yes, cream of chicken soup can be used if you do not like cream of mushroom soup. It will give the casserole a slightly different flavor, but the texture will still be creamy and rich. Cream of cheddar soup would also work if you want an even cheesier version.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

No, the tater tots should go on frozen. Baking them from frozen helps them hold their shape and crisp up on top of the casserole. Thawed tater tots can become softer and may not give you the same crispy topping.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator. For the best texture, add the frozen tater tots right before baking so they stay crisp. The cheese and bacon topping should also be added near the end as written.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven if you want the tater tots to crisp back up, or use the microwave for a quicker option. The filling may thicken as it sits, but it will still reheat well.

What can I serve with bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole?

This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but a simple salad, green beans, corn, or roasted vegetables all pair well with it. Since the casserole is rich and cheesy, lighter sides help balance the meal nicely.