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.
Want this recipe sent straight to your inbox? Make sure to subscribe below and never miss a casserole worth making!
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!
Print
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Description
This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is loaded with savory ground beef, melty cheddar, smoky turkey bacon, and topped with crispy tater tots—everything you love about a cheeseburger, baked into one pork-free, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s easy to prep, freezer-friendly, and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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 9×13 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.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if preferred.
Ground turkey or plant-based meat can replace ground beef for variation.
This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To make gluten-free: use certified gluten-free cream soup and tater tots.
