Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ultra-Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole. Combining all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger and a hearty casserole, this dish is loaded with crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and perfectly golden tater tots. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Prepare to savor every cheesy, bacon-y bite!
Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, breaking it apart until it becomes crumbly. Mix in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Move the cooked beef mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Layer frozen tater tots over the beef, making sure to cover it completely, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake until the tater tots are crisp and golden brown. Once done, remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Ingredients
- Ground beef, cooked until brown and crumbly
- 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Frozen tater tots
- Shredded Cheddar cheese
FAQ
- Can I customize the type of soup used in the tater tot casserole?
- Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup, some people prefer using cream of onion or other similar condensed soups for a different flavor.
- Is it possible to add extra ingredients to the casserole?
- Yes, you can enhance the dish by adding ingredients like onion rings, seasoning blends, or even vegetables like corn to make it more wholesome.
- What is the best way to store leftover tater tot casserole?
- Leftovers should be stored in a shallow, airtight container and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Can this casserole be frozen for later use?
- Yes, it is possible to freeze the tater tot casserole. It is recommended to freeze it before baking. Assemble the dish, wrap it well, and freeze for up to four months. When ready to enjoy, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to compensate for it being frozen.
- How can I achieve the best cheese flavor in the casserole?
- For the most flavorful result, it’s recommended to shred your own Cheddar cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider mixing in crispy onion rings with the tater tots before baking.
- If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, try substituting it with cream of onion soup for a different taste.
- Enhance the nutritional value by adding a frozen seasoning blend, including ingredients like onions and bell peppers, while cooking the ground beef.
- To make it a more complete meal, consider adding a can of drained corn to the casserole.
Equipment
- Baking Dish: A suitable baking dish to transfer the beef mixture and top it with tater tots and cheese. A 9×13-inch baking dish is commonly used for casseroles.
- Cheese Grater: If you choose to shred your own Cheddar cheese, a cheese grater will be necessary.
- Freezer-Safe Storage Wrap: If you plan to freeze the casserole, you might need a specific kind of storage wrap that is suitable for freezing.
- Aluminum Foil: Useful for wrapping the casserole before freezing.
