If you love the bold, savory flavors of a bacon cheeseburger and the convenience of your slow cooker, this Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is about to become your go-to comfort meal. It’s hearty, cheesy, and unbelievably easy to prepare—perfect for beginners or anyone needing a fuss-free dinner on a busy day.
This casserole combines all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger: ground beef, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and seasoned perfection—all layered under a crispy blanket of golden tater tots. The result? A cozy, satisfying one-pot meal that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping a game-day dish, or just want something that feels indulgent and comforting, this slow cooker recipe checks all the boxes. You can even play around with the seasoning—Montreal Steak Seasoning or Tony’s Creole Seasoning both work beautifully.
Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you go about your day. Then come home to a bubbling, cheesy casserole that tastes like diner food meets weeknight magic.
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INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce
- dash of Tabasco
- 1 pound ground hamburger meat
- 6 pieces of bacon
- 1 diced onion
- pack of frozen veggies
- 8oz container of sour cream
- 1 T butter
- salt and pepper
- 1 T minced garlic
- 1/2 cup of flour
- one bag of frozen Tater tots
- 1/2 cups grated cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
1 ) In a skillet, add garlic, bacon, meat, onions, and sautee. Then add flour to the whole mixture for thickening purposes.
2 ) Add Worcestershire and hot sauce, and milk. Then remove from heat and add frozen mixed vegetables, grated cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
3 ) Line your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter, and place in a bottom layer of tater tots and remain the rest. Add the meat mixture on top, and then cook on low for 3 1/2 hours.
4 ) In the last 10 minutes add the remaining layer of tater tots at the top and sprinkle grated cheese over the top until it melts then serve.
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- Staub Cast Iron Skillet
- Utopia Kitchen Cooking Knives
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Pro Tips for Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Brown the Ground Beef First
Drain excess fat after browning to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy. - Season Your Meat Well
Steak seasoning like Montreal or Tony’s Creole adds bold flavor to the beef. - Use Crispy Cooked Bacon
Precook bacon until crisp—this gives the casserole texture and smoky flavor without getting soggy. - Cheese Layer = Non-Negotiable
Don’t skimp on the shredded cheese. Use cheddar, Colby Jack, or your favorite melty cheese. - Top with Frozen Tater Tots
No need to thaw—layer them right on top for a crispy finish as they cook. - Cook Low and Slow
4–5 hours on LOW ensures everything melds together perfectly and the tots crisp up. - Garnish Before Serving
Add chopped green onions, pickles, or even ketchup and mustard drizzle to give it a “burger” vibe.
FAQs – Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Do I have to brown the beef first?
- A: Yes—browning the beef ensures it’s fully cooked and keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
Can I use turkey or ground chicken instead of beef?
- A: Absolutely! Just season generously since lean meats have a milder flavor.
Can I prep this the night before?
- A: Yes! Assemble all the layers, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place it in the slow cooker and set to LOW.
Will the tater tots get crispy?
- A: They’ll get lightly crispy on the edges. For extra crispiness, you can transfer the top layer to a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes.
What kind of cheese should I use?
- A: Cheddar is classic, but you can use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a shredded blend for added richness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- A: Yes—cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
What toppings go well with it?
- A: Try ketchup, mustard, diced pickles, green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream.
How long does it take to cook?
- A: Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, depending on your slow cooker’s heat level.
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