Savory Casserole with Tater Tots, Cheddar and Crispy Bacon (Print version)

A hearty tater tot casserole with seasoned beef, creamy sauce, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon baked until bubbling and golden.

# Ingredients:

For the bacon and beef filling

01 - 8 slices bacon, chopped
02 - 1 tablespoon reserved bacon drippings or olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) ground beef
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
07 - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
12 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth
13 - 1 cup (135 g) frozen peas

For the topping

14 - 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
15 - 1 bag (32 oz / 900 g) frozen tater tots
16 - 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a deep 3-quart casserole dish.
02 - Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 7-9 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and leave about 1 tablespoon drippings in the skillet.
03 - Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and garlic, then cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
04 - Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until creamy and slightly thickened, then fold in the frozen peas.
05 - Spread the beef filling evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups cheddar and about two-thirds of the crispy bacon.
06 - Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and the remaining bacon. Bake uncovered for 32-38 minutes until the tots are golden and the edges bubble.
07 - Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Top with green onions if using, then serve hot.

# Good to know:

01 - Use frozen tater tots straight from the bag for the crispest topping.
02 - A 9x13-inch dish gives the tots room to brown in a single layer.
03 - Resting for 5 minutes helps the creamy filling set before serving.

Back