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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole combining crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and smoky bacon. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this easy-to-make dish delivers classic cheeseburger flavors in a warm, gooey, and crunchy form that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Toppings

  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pickles or relish

Cheese and Dairy

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Condiments and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef and bacon: Cook ground beef in a skillet with chopped onions over medium heat until the beef is browned and fragrant. In a separate pan, cook the chopped bacon pieces until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
  2. Combine beef mixture: Drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef. Stir in ketchup, mustard, and optional pickles or relish to incorporate classic cheeseburger flavors. Fold in the crispy bacon pieces and mix well.
  3. Layer in the casserole dish: Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread the beef and bacon mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously over the meat layer.
  4. Add the tater tot topping: Arrange an even layer of frozen tater tots on top of the cheese. This will become crispy as it bakes, providing a crunchy texture.
  5. Bake to perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Pre-cook tater tots lightly before layering for extra crispiness.
  • Drain excess grease from beef and bacon after cooking to prevent sogginess.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a deeper, more flavorful taste.
  • Allow the bake to rest slightly before serving so it sets and slices neatly.
  • For an even cheesier, meatier dish, try alternating layers of beef mixture and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon, cheeseburger, tater tots, casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family friendly, potluck, baked