Hey y'all! If you crave creamy, cheesy comfort food with a crispy crunch, this Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe. It’s loaded with smoky bacon, golden tater tots, and an irresistible ranch kick—making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. Every bite is hearty and flavorful, sure to make everyone at the table smile. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: The creamy, savory flavors and crispy tater tots are a hit with both kids and adults.
- Super Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it ahead and bake when ready for stress-free entertaining.
- Versatile: Adapt with your favorite proteins or add extra veggies for a twist.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s hearty, cheesy, and delivers all the cozy vibes you crave!
Ingredients for the Ultimate Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 pound ground beef (or chicken, optional)
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
How to Make Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Prep & Brown the Meat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy; remove and crumble. If using ground beef, drain most drippings, then brown the beef until no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Ranch Filling
In a large bowl, combine cooked ground beef, half the crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, and green onions. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the cheesy meat mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Arrange the tater tots in a single even layer on top.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Sprinkle the top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and the rest of the bacon. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crisp and golden and the casserole is bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with more green onions for a pop of freshness and serve hot!
Notes for the Best Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- For extra creamy results, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt—see why it works so well at Love & Lemons.
- Try adding frozen mixed veggies or diced bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
- Cooking bacon in the oven saves time and delivers crisp, evenly cooked pieces—check out this easy oven bacon method.
Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the filling for some heat.
- Chicken Ranch Casserole: Substitute cooked, shredded chicken for ground beef for a leaner twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit bacon and beef, using sautéed mushrooms and additional veggies instead.
Required Equipment for Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Large skillet (for bacon and beef)
- Mixing bowls
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Allow leftovers to cool fully, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crispy.
Serving Ideas: What to Serve with Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Balance the rich flavors with a crisp green salad or classic coleslaw.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or fruit salad for a lighter meal.
- Round out with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a true comfort dinner experience!
Pro Tips for Perfect Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Always layer tater tots in a single layer for ultimate crunch—crowding makes them soggy (see why here).
- Use extra-sharp cheddar for deeper, bolder flavor.
- Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to help it set and serve clean portions.
Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole FAQ
Can I assemble Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking—just add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling; uncover in the last 10 minutes for crunchy tots.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure your ranch seasoning and tots are gluten-free, too.
Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Summary
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
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3Stir in the shredded chicken, half of the bacon, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
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4Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
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5Bake for 35 minutes, then remove from oven and top with remaining cheese and bacon. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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6Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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