Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Introduction
If you love cheeseburgers, bacon, and crispy tater tots, this Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Combining all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with layers of gooey cheese and crispy tater tots, this dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Origin and Cultural Significance
This casserole is a variation of the classic Tater Tot Casserole, a dish that originated in the Midwest. Tater tots were created in the 1950s by Ore-Ida, and soon after, families started using them as a casserole topping. Over time, different variations emerged, with bacon cheeseburger flavors becoming a popular twist on the traditional recipe. Today, it’s a beloved dish at potlucks, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients Quantity
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cheddar soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Diced pickles
- Drizzle of ketchup or mustard
Optional Additions
- Jalapeños: For a spicy kick.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky-sweet flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: For a fresh, juicy contrast.
- Extra Cheese: Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for more depth.
Tips for Success
- Cook bacon until crispy for the best texture and flavor.
- Drain excess grease from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Layer cheese in between for a gooey, cheesy bite in every forkful.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer so they bake up crispy and golden brown.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In the same skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add seasonings: Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Combine with sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom (or cheddar) soup and sour cream. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread the beef mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the meat.
- Crumble the cooked bacon on top.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over everything.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Add the final cheese layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 5 more minutes until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions, pickles, or ketchup/mustard if desired.
Description
This Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a mouthwatering dish packed with savory beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, all topped with crunchy tater tots. Every bite delivers classic cheeseburger flavors, making it a perfect meal for kids and adults alike.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 450-500
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, meaty, and packed with flavors reminiscent of a bacon cheeseburger. It’s easy to make, great for meal prep, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Recommendation
Pair this casserole with a crisp side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, serve it with a side of burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles to really enhance the cheeseburger experience.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While this dish is undeniably indulgent, you can make a lighter version by using:
- Lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Reduced-fat cheese and sour cream to cut down on calories.
- Baked sweet potato tots for a slightly healthier twist.