This Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a cozy, craveable bake that layers seasoned ground chicken and beef with smoky bacon, creamy mushroom soup, ranch seasoning, and a crisp tater tot topping. It smells like comfort food as it bakes — savory, cheesy, and slightly buttery from the tater tots. The texture is a pleasing mix of tender meat, melty cheese, and crunchy golden tots. If you enjoy hearty tater tot casseroles, you might also like a lighter, creamy variation like Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole for a different flavor profile.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 460 kcal
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Why Make This Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
This casserole is fast, filling, and family-friendly. It brings together familiar flavors — ranch, bacon, and cheddar — in a single pan. The tater tots add a fun, crispy top that kids and adults both love. It’s great for weeknights, potlucks, or when you need a comforting meal with minimal fuss. The dish reheats well and makes tasty leftovers.
How to Make Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
You’ll brown the meats, mix in bacon and ranch, add the creamy soup base, and top everything with tater tots and cheese. Then bake until the tots are golden and the cheese is bubbling. The process is straightforward and forgiving, so it’s a good recipe to adapt to what you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend)
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. If your bacon is not already cooked, cook it until crisp, drain, and crumble. Gather the remaining ingredients so they are ready to use.
Step 2: Sautéing the Meats
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken and ground beef until browned and no pink remains. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then return the meat to the pan.
Step 3: Mixing the Filling
Stir the crumbled cooked bacon and the ranch seasoning into the cooked meat. Season with a little salt and pepper, tasting as you go. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Step 4: Assembling and Baking
Spread the meat mixture evenly in the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the soup and milk mixture over the meat, spreading so it covers evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the soup mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tater tots. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Serve warm straight from the dish. This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad to add brightness and crunch. For more veg, offer steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a cucumber tomato salad. Top with chopped chives or green onions for color and a fresh bite. For a spicy touch, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced pickled jalapeños.
How to Store Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Refrigerator: Cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. To re-crisp the tots, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of reheating, watching closely.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Drain well: After browning the meats, drain excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Don’t thaw tots: Using frozen tater tots keeps them firmer and crisps the top better in the oven.
- Cheese choice: Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor. A cheese blend melts more smoothly.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if starting cold.
- Adjust seasoning: Ranch seasoning can be salty. Start with half the packet if you’re watching sodium, then taste the mixture before baking.
- Add veg: Stir in a cup of frozen peas or a drained can of corn for color and nutrition.
- Crisp edge hack: For an extra-crisp edge, place the dish on a preheated baking sheet.
Delicious Variations
- One-meat version: Use only ground chicken or all-beef for a simpler pan.
- Turkey and veggie: Substitute ground turkey and add diced bell pepper and onion.
- Spicy ranch: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or use a spicy ranch packet.
- Cream of chicken swap: Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a milder flavor.
- BBQ twist: Mix a few tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce into the meat for a smoky-sweet version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use refrigerated tater tots instead of frozen?
A: You can, but frozen tots hold their shape and crisp better. Refrigerated tots may soften and need less baking time. Watch the top so they don’t over-brown.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free cheese, a dairy-free cream soup alternative, and plant-based milk. The texture will be slightly different, but the casserole will still be satisfying.
Q: How can I lower the sodium in this recipe?
A: Use a low-sodium or homemade cream soup, choose a reduced-sodium ranch packet, and skip added salt. Also use lower-sodium bacon or reduce the bacon amount.
Q: Is it okay to prepare this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake from cold but add 5–10 minutes to the bake time. Let it rest before serving.
Q: How do I keep the tater tots extra crispy after baking?
A: After the casserole finishes baking, broil for 1–3 minutes until the tots reach your desired crispness. Watch constantly to prevent burning.
Q: Can I double or halve the recipe?
A: Yes. For a smaller crowd, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch baking dish. To double, use two 9×13 dishes or a deeper baking pan and increase cook time slightly until heated through.
Conclusion
This Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is an easy, comforting meal that delivers savory meatiness, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and a golden, crunchy top. It’s flexible, family-approved, and a great choice for busy nights or casual gatherings. For another take on this style of casserole with a different flavor profile, check out Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole – Quick Weeknight Meals. Give it a try — you’ll be rewarded with hearty, cheesy comfort that fills the house with a delicious aroma.
Print
Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy, craveable bake that layers seasoned ground chicken and beef with smoky bacon, creamy mushroom soup, ranch seasoning, and a crisp tater tot topping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend)
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Gather the ingredients.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken and ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon and ranch seasoning. In a separate bowl, whisk the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Spread the meat mixture in the baking dish. Pour the soup and milk mixture over the meat. Arrange tater tots on top and sprinkle cheese. Bake for 30–35 minutes until tots are golden and cheese is bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra deliciousness, add chopped chives or green onions before serving. Can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
