Description
This Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, pickles, and melted cheese layered under a crispy blanket of golden tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy-to-make, oven-baked meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 cup chopped cooked crispy bacon, divided
- 1/2 cup pickles, diced
Cheese and Topping
- 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded, divided
- 28 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season the Beef: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the seasoning is evenly mixed throughout the beef and onion mixture.
- Add Condiments: Mix in ketchup and yellow mustard, stirring to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Mix in Bacon and Pickles: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in 3/4 cup of the chopped crispy bacon and all of the diced pickles to add texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Layer Base: Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid flavorful base for the casserole.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the layer of beef, ensuring an even distribution for melty goodness.
- Layer Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese. This will become the crispy topping after baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the tater tots turn golden and crispy.
- Add Final Toppings and Melt Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped bacon over the crispy tater tots. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted perfectly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and enhance flavors. Enjoy this delicious, comforting meal!
Notes
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or a cheese blend you prefer.
- For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Make sure to cook and crisp the bacon before adding for the best texture.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
