Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines your favorite flavors in one cheesy, comforting casserole? Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings! This easy-to-make casserole is a combination of crispy tater tots, savory bacon, tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a family gathering, or even a potluck, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the details of this delicious recipe, why it’s so perfect for any occasion, and provide some useful tips to make it even better. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Perfect Comfort Food
Nothing beats a good casserole when you’re craving comfort food. With the crispy tater tots on the bottom and the savory layers of chicken, bacon, cheese, and sauces on top, every bite is a mouthful of flavor and warmth. This casserole is rich, satisfying, and easy to make, making it a perfect meal for any weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Easy to Make
You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up this casserole. With only a few simple steps, you can have this loaded dish baking in the oven in no time. The best part? It requires minimal prep work, so you can get back to enjoying the company of your family or guests while it bakes to perfection.
Family-Friendly
Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a family-friendly recipe that both kids and adults will love. The combination of crispy tater tots, cheese, ranch dressing, and bacon makes it a hit with even the pickiest eaters. It’s also great for feeding a crowd, whether you’re hosting a party or bringing something special to a family gathering.
Versatile Ingredients
One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. You can swap out or add ingredients based on your preferences. Love extra cheese? Pile it on! Want to add some spice? Throw in a little hot sauce or jalapeños for a kick. The options are endless, making this casserole a customizable recipe that you can tweak to fit your tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole are simple but packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
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2 lbs frozen tater tots – These act as the base for the casserole, providing the crispy texture and heartiness you expect in a comfort food dish.
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1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled – Bacon adds a smoky, crispy element that enhances the flavors of the casserole. It’s one of the key ingredients that makes this dish so addictive.
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1 cup cooked shredded chicken – Adding protein to the casserole, the chicken helps balance out the richness of the bacon and cheese while making the dish more filling.
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1 cup BBQ sauce – The tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor of BBQ sauce is the perfect match for the savory ingredients and adds a layer of moisture to the casserole.
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1 cup ranch dressing – Creamy ranch dressing adds a smooth, cooling element to the dish, helping to balance out the flavors of the BBQ sauce and bacon.
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, providing a gooey, melty topping that brings everything together.
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1 cup chopped green onions – Green onions add a touch of freshness and color, along with a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Optional Ingredients
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Hot sauce or jalapeños – For those who enjoy a little heat, you can add a dash of hot sauce or a handful of chopped jalapeños to give the casserole an extra kick.
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Sour cream – If you like your casserole extra creamy, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream.
How to Make Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble and bake this mouthwatering casserole! Follow these simple instructions for the best results.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help crisp up the tater tots and melt the cheese perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Dish
In a large casserole dish, spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom. You want to create a nice, even layer of tater tots that will serve as the crispy foundation of your casserole.
Step 3: Add the Shredded Chicken and Bacon
Next, top the tater tots with the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed, and sprinkle the bacon generously over the top. The combination of these ingredients will add flavor and texture to each bite.
Step 4: Mix the BBQ Sauce and Ranch Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Stir until the two are well blended. The creamy ranch dressing pairs beautifully with the smoky BBQ sauce, creating a flavor-packed drizzle for your casserole.
Step 5: Drizzle the Sauces
Once the sauces are mixed, drizzle the BBQ ranch sauce evenly over the chicken and bacon. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—this will ensure that every bite of your casserole has a burst of flavor.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Now it’s time for the good stuff—shredded cheddar cheese! Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt as it bakes, creating a golden, bubbly layer that binds all the ingredients together.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are crispy. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and delicious.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, garnish with chopped green onions to add a burst of freshness and color. Slice and serve hot—this casserole is perfect on its own or paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Use Crispy Tater Tots
The texture of the tater tots is key to this casserole’s success. Make sure they’re evenly spread out in the dish to ensure an even, crispy base. If you like your tater tots extra crispy, you can bake them for a few minutes before assembling the casserole.
Customize the Sauces
While BBQ sauce and ranch dressing work beautifully together, feel free to experiment with different flavors. If you like a spicier kick, try using buffalo sauce instead of BBQ sauce. Or, for a tangier touch, swap ranch for blue cheese dressing.
Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor
For a more balanced casserole, you can add some vegetables to the mix. Consider adding sautéed bell peppers, corn, or spinach to make the dish even more flavorful and colorful.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole contains approximately:
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Calories: 450-500 kcal
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Protein: 25-30g
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Fat: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 40-45g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 900-1000mg
Keep in mind that the nutritional values will vary depending on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter dressing.
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FAQs for Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
1. Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Yes! While the recipe calls for cooked shredded chicken, you can easily swap it with other proteins like ground beef, sausage, or even pulled pork. Each of these will bring their own flavor to the casserole, complementing the bacon and BBQ sauce perfectly. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using a meat substitute or extra veggies to make it equally satisfying.
2. How can I make the casserole spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, there are several ways to spice up your Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole. You can add chopped jalapeños or drizzle some hot sauce over the casserole before baking. Another option is to incorporate spicy BBQ sauce or ranch dressing with a kick. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers will also increase the spice level to your liking.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble the entire casserole and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. If you’re short on time, you can even freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, just bake from frozen for 30-40 minutes, or bake it directly after refrigerating, adding a few extra minutes for a crispy finish.
4. How do I store leftovers of the casserole?
To store leftover Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, until heated through. If you’d like to store it for longer, this casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food Favorite
Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply when you’re craving something hearty and delicious. With layers of crispy tater tots, savory bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy BBQ ranch sauce, topped with gooey cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also versatile and customizable to suit your tastes. Add more spice, extra cheese, or vegetables to make it your own. It’s the perfect dish to make ahead and serve for any occasion.
Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and prepare to indulge in a flavor-packed casserole that’s bound to become a family favorite!
Print
Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Crispy tots, smoky bacon, juicy shredded chicken, and a creamy BBQ ranch drizzle all come together under a gooey cheddar cheese blanket. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or weekend cravings.
Ingredients
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2 lbs frozen tater tots
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1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup cooked shredded chicken
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1 cup BBQ sauce
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1 cup ranch dressing
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Layer tater tots evenly in a large casserole dish.
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Top with shredded chicken and crumbled bacon.
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Whisk together BBQ sauce and ranch dressing, then drizzle evenly over the casserole.
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Sprinkle cheddar cheese generously over everything.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
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For a smoky twist, use smoked cheddar or add a sprinkle of chipotle powder.
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Make it ahead: assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
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Try with sweet BBQ sauce for a tangy-sweet flavor blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner, easy tater tot recipe