
This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is just what you need for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Packed with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, golden tater tots, and lots of melty cheese, it brings all the comfort of a backyard burger straight to your oven. When I crave something hearty but easy, this casserole never lets me down.
I remember whipping this up for a last minute family game night and everyone kept coming back for seconds. Now it is a dependable favorite in our home whenever we need a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Choose eighty or eighty five percent lean for best flavor and juiciness
- Cheddar cheese soup: Brings creaminess and rich cheese flavor make sure to pick a quality condensed cheese soup
- Sour cream: Adds tang and helps create that luscious texture use full fat for best results
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey pull choose extra sharp for more punch
- Chopped bacon: Gives smoky savory flavor always go for thick cut and cook until just crispy
- Yellow onion: Sweetness and depth to the meat layer pick a firm onion with no soft spots
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: Seasoning blend that elevates the beef use freshly opened seasoning for brightest flavors
- Tater tots: The crispy topper you need choose frozen tots with no freezer burn for maximum crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the tater tots:
- Arrange tater tots in a baking dish and bake at four hundred degrees for about ten minutes This crisps them a bit to ensure a crunchy crust
- Brown the beef and onions:
- In a skillet over medium high heat cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is no longer pink Stir regularly to break up the beef Drain off any excess grease to keep your casserole creamy If you love a little char on your meat let it sit untouched for the last two minutes of browning
- Season and mix:
- Sprinkle Montreal Steak Seasoning evenly over the cooked beef onion mix to infuse it with savory flavor Stir in cheddar cheese soup sour cream and cooked bacon Mix until everything is evenly combined
- Assemble the casserole:
- Layer the pre baked tater tots over your beef mixture in the baking dish Spread evenly so every bite gets a tot Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top
- Bake until golden:
- Bake at four hundred degrees for fifteen to twenty minutes until cheese is melted and tater tots are crispy For a little extra crunch broil for two to three minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning
- Serve it hot:
- Let the casserole sit for five minutes after baking so it sets up a bit Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy hearty bite

Bacon is my favorite part of this casserole Every time I cook the bacon the smell fills the kitchen and my kids come running in asking if it is bacon casserole night That moment is always a highlight for me
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days If you want to freeze the casserole make sure it has cooled completely Slice into easy to reheat portions then wrap tightly before freezing To reheat bake covered at three hundred fifty degrees until hot
Ingredient Substitutions
If tater tots are unavailable try using frozen hash browns or even thinly sliced fresh potatoes Just increase bake time to ensure everything is golden For a lighter touch swap ground beef for ground turkey or use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon A can of cream of mushroom soup can stand in for cheddar soup if desired
Serving Suggestions
Top each serving with diced pickles chopped tomatoes or a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce If you like a little kick sprinkle on some hot sauce or serve alongside a crunchy green salad for balance

Cultural Context
Casseroles like this are a staple in Midwestern kitchens The comfort food combo of potatoes cheese beef and bacon brings everyone to the table I grew up on dishes like this and it always reminds me of big family potlucks and cozy Sunday dinners
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I swap tater tots for something else?
Yes, hashbrowns or diced potatoes work well. Just adjust baking time for doneness and crispiness.
- → How do I keep the tater tots crisp on top?
Bake uncovered and consider broiling for the last 2–3 minutes for extra crunch.
- → What cheese is best?
Shredded cheddar melts beautifully, but try Monterey Jack or a cheese blend for extra creaminess.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to a day before and refrigerate. Add tater tots and cheese just before baking.