A comforting, crispy tater tot casserole loaded with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and smoky bacon—layered like a smashburger and baked to golden perfection.
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
½ cup chopped dill pickles (optional)
Optional: special sauce (mayo + ketchup + mustard + relish), shredded lettuce
Preheat oven to 425°F.
In a skillet, brown ground beef. Add onion and seasonings. Cook until soft.
Drain grease. Spread beef in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle cheese over beef. Add pickles if using.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until tots are golden and cheese bubbles.
Sprinkle with cooked bacon during the last 5 minutes.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Add special sauce or lettuce if desired.