Description

Craving a fun, indulgent dish that combines the bold flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with crispy tater tots? The Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake, with 20 glowing reviews, is your answer! This crowd-pleasing casserole features seasoned ground beef, melty Velveeta, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots, topped with fresh tomatoes, pickles, and onions for a burger-inspired twist

Ingredients

To make Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake for 12 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this comforting dish:

Ground Beef (2 lbs): Savory, protein-rich base.
Onion (1 large, chopped, divided): Adds sweet, savory depth.
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Provides a tangy, tomatoey base.
Ground Mustard (1 tbsp): Adds zesty, burger-like flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Brings savory, umami depth.
Velveeta (1 package, 8 oz): Creates a creamy, melty filling.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Adds bold, cheesy richness.
Bacon Strips (12, cooked and crumbled): Brings smoky, crispy texture.
Frozen Tater Tots (1 package, 32 oz): Forms a crispy, golden topping.
Grape Tomatoes (1 cup, chopped): Adds fresh, juicy flavor.
Sliced Dill Pickles (⅓ cup): Provides tangy, crunchy contrast.

Substitutions and Variations:

Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
Velveeta: Replace with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Tomato Sauce: Use ketchup, marinara, or chili sauce for a different twist.
Tater Tots: Substitute with frozen hash browns or sweet potato tots.
Bacon: Use turkey bacon, pancetta, or omit for a vegetarian version.
Add-Ons: Include diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms in the beef mixture.
Gluten-Free: Ensure tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and tater tots are gluten-free (check labels).
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

Why These Ingredients Matter: The beef and bacon provide protein and smoky flavor, while the tomato sauce and cheeses create a rich, burger-like filling. The tater tots add a crispy topping, and fresh tomatoes and pickles bring a classic cheeseburger vibe, making this a balanced, indulgent meal perfect for comfort food lovers.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Beef

Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 2 lbs ground beef and 1 cup chopped onion (reserving the rest for topping) for 6–8 minutes, crumbling the meat, until the beef is no longer pink (165°F internal temperature) and the onion is tender.
Drain excess fat from the skillet.

Tip: Break up the beef thoroughly for a uniform texture, and drain well to avoid a greasy casserole.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Stir in 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 tbsp ground mustard, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 package (8 oz) Velveeta (cubed for easier melting).
Cook and stir over medium heat for 4–6 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.

Tip: Cube Velveeta into small pieces for faster melting, and stir constantly to create a smooth sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 13×9-inch or 3½-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared dish, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle with 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 12 crumbled bacon strips.
Arrange 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots evenly over the top.

Tip: Spread the beef mixture evenly to ensure consistent baking, and place tater tots in a single layer for maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Bake

Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.

Tip: Check that the casserole is heated through (165°F internal temperature) and the tater tots are crispy.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Remove from the oven and top with 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes, ⅓ cup sliced dill pickles, and the remaining chopped onion.
Serve hot, scooping portions onto plates.

Tip: Add toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy, and serve immediately for the best texture.