When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the mark quite like a rich, cheesy casserole. This Smoked Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Tot Bake combines all the flavors we love in a hamburger and layers them with crispy tater tots for an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will adore. Imagine sinking your teeth into ground beef smothered in ranch seasoning, savory bacon, and gooey melted cheese, all topped with golden, crunchy tater tots. It’s the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for any night that demands a little indulgence.
Why you’ll love this dish
One of the main reasons to make this recipe is its sheer ease! Short on time? This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weekdays. It checks all the boxes for a family meal—kid-approved, budget-friendly, and hearty enough to satisfy. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or enjoying a cozy night in, this cheesy, bacon-studded delight is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
"I made this for my family on a whim and it quickly became a regular in our dinner rotation! The kids just can’t get enough of those crispy tater tots!" – Happy Home Cook
The cooking process explained
Preparing the Smoked Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Tot Bake is as simple as it gets. Start by cooking your ground beef, mixing in that flavorful ranch seasoning, and combining it with crispy bacon and two types of cheese. Once you’ve got that delightful mixture, layer it in a baking dish, top it with frozen tater tots, and let your oven do the magic. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll transform humble ingredients into a spectacular feast.
Gather these items
For this delicious dish, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 bag of frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro tip: If you want to dial back the calories or ramp up the nutrition, consider swapping the ground beef for turkey or chicken, and using low-fat cheeses!
