Cooking method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Stir until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
- Season your beef mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
- Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly in the skillet and top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the cheese.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the meat and cheese layers.
- Drizzle ketchup and mustard over the tater tots to add flavor.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tater tots are crispy.
- Once out of the oven, add chopped pickles, tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped lettuce on top.
- Serve hot and dig into this delicious Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Melt!
Best ways to enjoy it
This dish is meant to be shared! Serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic vibe. Pair it with a simple green salad or some oven-baked fries for an additional crunch. Having a movie night? This melt is the ideal companion for some quality screen time. For drinks, try pairing it with a classic soda or homemade lemonade for a true fast-food-style experience!
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers—lucky you! To store, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, where it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave for a quicker option. Just be sure to cover it to keep the moisture in!
Practical cooking tips
- To save on prep time, consider using pre-cooked bacon or rotisserie chicken for a quicker assembly.
- For added depth of flavor, sauté the onions until they’re caramelized before adding the ground beef.
- If you love spice, throw in some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the beef mixture.
Creative twists
Feel free to make this dish your own! Consider using sweet potato tater tots for an unexpected twist or swapping the beef for a plant-based alternative to cater to vegetarians. Add a mix of different cheeses for a gooey texture or take it global by incorporating taco seasonings for a Tex-Mex spin. The options are endless!
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with cooking taking an extra 25-30 minutes, making the total approximate time about 45 minutes.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or veggie crumbles instead of beef. Cheeses can be mixed, or non-dairy versions can be used based on your dietary restrictions.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated as needed. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw and reheat thoroughly!
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet Melt—it’s bound to be a favorite in your home!
