This comforting one-pan meal combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, and crispy tater tots for a satisfying family dinner. Featuring savory beef bacon instead of pork, this skillet captures all the classic flavors of a backyard cheeseburger without the need for a grill or buns. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a delightful crunch and melty goodness in every bite.
14 ounces frozen tater tots
1 pound lean ground beef
0.5 small yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
3 slices beef bacon, cooked and chopped
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
0.5 cup Roma tomato, finely diced
1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Arrange the tater tots on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
While tots are baking, heat an oven-safe cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown the ground beef in the skillet until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add the diced onions to the beef and sauté until soft.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute.
Stir in the ketchup and mayonnaise until combined.
Top the meat mixture with the cooked tater tots, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese and beef bacon.
Place the skillet in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and top with fresh diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce before serving.
You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if preferred. For extra heat, consider adding pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Keep the skillet in the oven only until the cheese melts to ensure the tater tots remain crispy.