Looking for a dish that combines all your favorite flavors into one ultimate comfort food experience? This Barbecue Beef and Bacon Tater Tot Casserole has it all: savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots on top. It’s a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, and it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a casserole that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner. The barbecue sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the beef and bacon, while the tater tots bring that crispy, golden crunch everyone loves. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers, this casserole is always a winner.
What You Need to Make Barbecue Beef and Bacon Tater Tot Casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Barbecue Beef and Bacon Tater Tot Casserole:
- Cook the Beef:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and stir in the barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Set aside. - Assemble the Casserole:
In a baking dish, layer the beef mixture, crumbled bacon, and chopped onions. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. - Add the Tater Tots:
Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese layer, covering the entire casserole. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot with your favorite side dishes!
Tips for the Best Barbecue Beef and Bacon Tater Tot Casserole:
- Feel free to customize the toppings—add jalapeños, green onions, or even a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce before serving.
- Use a baking dish with a tight-fitting lid if you need to cover it while baking to prevent the tater tots from drying out.
- If you want a more loaded casserole, you can add in veggies like corn, bell peppers, or peas for extra flavor and texture.
Variations
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Spicy Version: Add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Loaded Version: Add extra cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of crispy onions on top for a loaded casserole experience.
This Barbecue Beef and Bacon Tater Tot Casserole is a fun, flavorful, and filling dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering. With crispy tater tots, savory beef, and plenty of cheese, it’s a dish that everyone will love!
PrintBarbecue Beef and Bacon Tater Tot Casserole: A Comfort Food Favorite
Description
A hearty, cheesy casserole with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, barbecue sauce, and crispy tater tots on top.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer the beef, crumbled bacon, and onions. Top with shredded cheese.
- Arrange tater tots on top of the cheese layer.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 8