Loaded BBQ Tater Tot Casserole
This easy, crowd-pleasing casserole brings serious comfort food vibes with layers of BBQ-coated ground meat, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots, perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- sliced green onions or fresh chopped parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up as it cooks, until no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the same skillet with the cooked meat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic powder and black pepper.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir until the meat and onions are completely coated.
- Step 5: Spoon the meat and BBQ sauce mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Step 6: Sprinkle half a cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer.
- Step 7: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the dish.
- Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Step 9: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Step 10: Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 11: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground meat with ground chicken, pulled pork, or plant-based crumbles. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack. Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or spinach with the onions. For heat, add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or spicy BBQ sauce. Top with sour cream, bacon, or ranch dressing. Ensure meat is well-drained. Arrange tots in a single layer for crispiness. Oven times may vary; check tots browning. Can prep meat mixture ahead and store in the fridge. Cool completely before storing leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days, covered. Reheat in microwave or a 350°F (175°C) oven.