BBQ Bacon Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole
Ready in 60 minutes | Serves 6-8 | Perfect for dinner or weekend treat
Introduction
There are very few dishes that satisfy comfort food cravings quite like a casserole does. This easy-to-make BBQ Bacon Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole takes that love for comfort food to the next level, combining your favorite burger flavors in one hearty and delicious dish.
Why Make This Recipe
Why wouldn’t you want to make this recipe? With layers of mouthwatering ground beef, crunchy bacon, and delicious tater tots, topped off with a generous layer of melted cheese, there’s no way you can resist this indulgent casserole. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to assemble and prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying family meal.
How to Make BBQ Bacon Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup diced bacon
– 1 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional for garnish)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain.
3. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the BBQ sauce and half of the cooked bacon. Mix well.
5. Transfer beef mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
6. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
7. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
9. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
10. Take out your casserole, garnish with green onions if desired, and let it cool a bit before serving.
How to Serve BBQ Bacon Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole
This dish serves well hot straight from the oven. It goes perfectly with mixed greens or a simple coleslaw. For a splash of color, you can also top it off with diced fresh tomatoes right before serving.
How to Store BBQ Bacon Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole
Cover leftover casserole with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make BBQ Bacon Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole
1. To avoid the casserole from getting too greasy, make sure to drain the fat after browning the beef.
2. Cook the tater tots separately for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole. It will ensure they are extra crispy when the casserole is done.
Variations
While this recipe is pretty delicious as it is, feel free to experiment with other ingredients. You could try adding some jalapenos for a kick, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, or maybe add in some diced bell peppers.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it (before baking) for up to 2 days.
2. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely. If you prefer a different type of cheese, go ahead and use it. Monterey Jack or Mozzarella would work great as well.
3. I’m not a fan of BBQ sauce. What should I use instead?
If you’re not a fan of BBQ sauce, try using ketchup or a tomato-based pasta sauce instead. You’re still going to end up with a delicious casserole!
For a satisfying and flavorful family meal, give this BBQ Bacon Tater Tot Cheeseburger Casserole a try. The enticing combination of flavors will surely be a hit at the dinner table!