First of all—thank you for being here. Whether you’ve been following along since the first casserole post or just stumbled upon this recipe in your search for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner, I’m truly grateful you’re here. What I’m sharing today is one of those weeknight wonders that checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, easy to make, family-friendly, and anything but boring!! So, Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole now.
This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole has all the flavor you love from a diner-style cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melty cheese, crisp smoky turkey bacon, and golden, crispy tater tots on top. And yep, you read that right: no pork here. This version swaps out traditional bacon for turkey bacon, which adds a smoky punch while keeping things a bit lighter and aligned with dietary preferences.
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Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
This is comfort food with a capital “C”—easy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. It comes together in one pan (hello, fewer dishes), and it’s completely make-ahead friendly, which is a lifesaver on busy evenings. It’s also wonderfully flexible—great for using up pantry staples, and you can tweak it to fit your tastes.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a juicy cheeseburger with all your favorite fixings—only in cozy, casserole form. You’ve got that seasoned beef, melted cheddar, creamy sauce, a bit of smoky turkey bacon, and then the crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside tater tots that soak up all the flavor while staying golden. It’s rich, savory, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Think: diner food meets family dinner perfection.
Benefits of This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- No pork: Perfect for households avoiding pork but still craving those smoky, savory vibes.
- One pan meal: Fewer dishes and less cleanup!
- Freezer-friendly: Make it ahead and bake when you’re ready.
- Kid-approved: Tater tots and cheeseburger flavors? Say no more.
- Customizable: Tons of ways to switch it up (more on that below).
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (check for no anchovies if needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped and cooked until crisp
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Optional: chopped pickles or scallions for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need For Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13 baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own)
Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ins
- Beef: Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully here.
- Cheese: Mix in some pepper jack for a spicy kick or use mozzarella for a milder twist.
- Cream soup: Swap with homemade béchamel for a from-scratch version.
- Add-ins: Try chopped pickles inside the mix for a Big Mac twist, or mix in sautéed mushrooms for depth.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (No Pork)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic; cook until translucent and fragrant. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season the mix with ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked turkey bacon.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, soup, and 1 cup of cheddar. Mix this into the beef mixture.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tots are crispy and golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Garnish with scallions or chopped pickles if desired. Serve hot.
What to Serve With This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Sliced tomatoes with salt and a splash of vinegar
- Simple coleslaw to cut through the richness
Tips for Making the Best Cheeseburger Casserole
- Use sharp cheddar—it brings more flavor than mild.
- Don’t skip pre-cooking the turkey bacon—it adds the right texture and taste.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it holds together better when sliced.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch carefully!).
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. If freezing unbaked, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions.
General Info
This dish is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s great for potlucks, weekend dinners, and even as a hearty brunch option when served with a fried egg on top. It’s one of those meals that tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld.
FAQ
Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the beef for plant-based ground meat and skip the turkey bacon or use a veggie alternative.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first? Nope—use them straight from the freezer for best results.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, Greek yogurt works well and adds a slight tang.
Is this gluten-free? Not by default, but it can be—just use gluten-free soup and confirm that your tater tots and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is everything we want in a weeknight dinner—easy, delicious, and so satisfying. With no pork and tons of flexibility, it’s a go-to recipe that adapts to your household’s needs. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Looking for more recipes with comfort food vibes? Try these next:
- Peach BBQ Chicken Bake
- Creamy Chicken & Peach Skillet
- Sweet & Savory Peach Glazed Meatballs
If you try this recipe, please leave a review and tag your casserole photos on Pinterest so I can see your version!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
Now go forth and casserole with confidence!

Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13 baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cheese grater (optional, if shredding fresh cheese)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean preferred
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 slices turkey bacon chopped and cooked until crisp
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce check for no anchovies if needed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom or cheddar soup
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
- Optional: chopped scallions or pickles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and cooked turkey bacon. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, soup, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix into the beef mixture.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Arrange frozen tater tots evenly across the top.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tots are crispy and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with scallions or chopped pickles if desired.