Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Bake. Elevating the classic burger and fries combination, this elegant dish blends decadent layers of ground beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fluffy tater tots into a satisfying and visually stunning one-pan wonder. Prepare to embark on a sensory journey filled with the warm, comforting flavors and textures that will leave you utterly satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Bake
This irresistible dish is a celebration of refined comfort food, combining the familiar elements of a beloved cheeseburger with the cozy appeal of tater tots. The layers of juicy ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and crisp bacon create a flavor profile that is both comforting and elevated. The addition of the fluffy, golden-brown tater tots adds a delightful textural contrast, making each bite a delectable and satisfying experience. Prepare to be swept away by the tempting aromas and the visually stunning presentation of this masterfully crafted skillet bake.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a carefully curated blend of high-quality ingredients that come together to create a truly gourmet dish. From the succulent ground beef to the flavorful bacon and the decadent cheese, every element has been selected to deliver a harmonious and indulgent flavor profile.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 8 oz – Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz – Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 lb – Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 32 oz – Frozen tater tots
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese: Dairy-free cheese — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Bake
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Bake comes together in four simple steps, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the ground beef in the skillet. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the skillet from the oven and top the tater tots with the crumbled bacon. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Serve the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Bake immediately, allowing the flavors and textures to mingle and delight your senses. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a touch of vibrant color and freshness.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Pepper Jack or Colby, to create your own signature flavor profile.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Sauté onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers and incorporate them into the dish for additional layers of flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in a touch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to lend a subtle kick to the dish.
- Crispy Toppings: Finish the skillet with a drizzle of whiskey-maple glaze or a sprinkle of fried onions for an extra layer of caramelized, indulgent flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of tangy pickled onions for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Reheat: For best results, reheat the skillet bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be partially prepared in advance by cooking the ground beef and assembling the skillet with the cheese and tater tots. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, then proceed with the final steps when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Bake is a delightful balance of comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients. While it may be higher in calories and fat than a traditional salad, it offers a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the skillet
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 47 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 1,280 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
While you can use fresh tater tots, the frozen variety is recommended for this recipe as it helps ensure a crispy and evenly cooked topping. The pre-cooked nature of frozen tater tots allows them to crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can partially prepare this dish in advance. Cook the ground beef and assemble the skillet with the cheese and tater tots, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. When ready to serve, simply pop the skillet in the oven and follow the final baking steps.
How do I reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, but the tater tots may not achieve the same level of crispness.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free by substituting the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. This will keep the dish just as indulgent and satisfying, but with a dairy-free twist.
What side dishes pair well with this skillet bake?
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Bake is a complete meal in itself, but it can be served with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a tangy pickled onion slaw to add a bright, refreshing element to the dish.
Try These Next
- Smoky Ranch Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Foil Pan Bake
- Garlic Ranch Bacon Smashburger Tater Tot Bake
- Bbq Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Tater Tot Melt
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Bake, a delightful fusion of crispy tater tots, savory bacon, and melted cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1 bag frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced pickles
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onions, bacon, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Layer the tater tots over the beef mixture in the skillet.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Drizzle with ketchup and mustard, and top with pickles before serving.
Notes
For an extra kick, add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce. This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg