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Easy Loaded BBQ Tater Tot Casserole

This Loaded BBQ Tater Tot Casserole brings back all that warm, comforting feeling, but with a fun, modern twist! Think crispy tater tots, savory ground meat, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all baked into one easy dish. It’s the kind of meal that gets everyone excited.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up as it cooks until no longer pink. Drain off any extra grease.
  3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir in your garlic powder and black pepper during the last minute.
  4. Step 4: Take the skillet off the heat. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir until the meat mixture is totally coated.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the meat mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it in a flat layer on the bottom.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) over the top of the meat layer.
  7. Step 7: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  9. Step 9: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese all over the crispy tater tots.
  10. Step 10: Return the casserole to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the second layer of cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Step 11: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Use ground chicken, pulled pork, or plant-based crumbles. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, colby jack, or smoky provolone. Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or diced carrots with the onion. Top with crumbled bacon, pickled jalapeños, ranch dressing, or sour cream. Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors.
Tips for Success: Do not thaw the tater tots; use them frozen. Thoroughly drain grease from the ground meat. Arrange tots in a single layer for crispiness. The meat mixture can be prepped a day ahead. Don't skip the resting time.
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered tightly. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil.
FAQs: A 9x13 inch dish works best. To make it spicier, use spicy BBQ sauce, add red pepper flakes, or top with jalapeños. Freezing a baked casserole can result in mushy tater tots.