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Crispy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole for Two

Bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole - featured image
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This easy one-pot casserole combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and golden tater tots—into a perfectly portioned, comforting dinner for two. It’s quick to make, customizable, and guaranteed to deliver smiles with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz ground beef (80/20 recommended, lean works too)
  • 1/4 small onion, diced
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 2 strips bacon, chopped (thick-cut preferred)
  • 16–18 frozen tater tots (about 5–6 oz)
  • Extra cheese for topping (optional)
  • Fresh chives or green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • Sliced pickles (optional, for serving)
  • Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
  • Tomato slices (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Gather all ingredients and equipment.
  2. In an oven-safe skillet or frying pan, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel and set aside. Drain most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 teaspoon in the skillet.
  3. Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
  5. In a small bowl, combine shredded cheddar, milk, and cream cheese. Microwave for 20 seconds to soften, then stir until smooth. Pour cheese mixture over beef and gently spread to cover.
  6. Sprinkle crispy bacon over the cheese layer. Arrange tater tots in a single, even layer on top. Press down gently. Add extra cheese if desired.
  7. Transfer skillet or dish to oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy. If needed, broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
  8. Let casserole cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, with pickles or tomato slices if desired.

Notes

For best results, use thick-cut bacon and room temperature cheese. Space tater tots evenly for maximum crispiness. Finish under the broiler for extra crunch. Can be made gluten-free with certified GF tater tots and dairy-free with vegan cheese and milk. Let casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to set and avoid burns. Leftovers reheat best in the oven or toaster oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, cheeseburger casserole, bacon casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, one-pot meal, casserole for two, oven baked, skillet casserole, weeknight dinner

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