BBQ Tater Tot Casserole – A Savory, Tangy, and Cheesy Comfort Food Perfect for Any Occasion

Looking for a dish that perfectly blends crispy, golden tater tots, tender BBQ chicken, and gooey melted cheese? This BBQ Tater Tot Casserole is the answer! It’s a crowd-pleasing meal packed with all your favorite BBQ flavors, creamy baked beans, and a sour cream drizzle to top it all off. This casserole is not just fun to make, it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table.

Scroll down for the recipe!

Photo bypinterest

The Inspiration Behind BBQ Tater Tot Casserole

Who doesn’t love tater tots? And when you pair them with juicy BBQ chicken, baked beans, and melted cheese, the result is a casserole that’s bursting with flavor and texture. This BBQ Tater Tot Casserole is a playful twist on a classic comfort food, taking all the savory goodness of a backyard BBQ and turning it into a dish that you can enjoy any night of the week. It's the perfect blend of crunchy, cheesy, and sweet BBQ flavors that’ll make this dish an instant family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole takes everything you love about comfort food and BBQ and rolls it into one. You get crispy, golden tater tots on the bottom, and on top of that, the sweet and tangy BBQ chicken, baked beans, and melty cheddar jack cheese bring it all together. It’s like a backyard BBQ in casserole form! Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make and bakes in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 530 kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 1050mg
• Fiber: 5g

The Casserole You’ll Crave Again and Again

BBQ Tater Tot Casserole is an all-in-one dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or need a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s also great for meal prepping since the leftovers reheat wonderfully. With the combination of crispy tater tots, BBQ chicken, and creamy melted cheese, it’s a dish everyone will be begging for seconds.

Photo bypinterest

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This BBQ Tater Tot Casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can always serve it with a few tasty sides for an even bigger meal. Try pairing it with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, cornbread for a touch of sweetness, or a fresh green salad to balance out the rich flavors. To complete the meal, a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea would be the perfect drink to enjoy with this casserole.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this casserole can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, and when ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warm.

Fun Fact: The Rise of Tater Tots

Did you know that tater tots were invented as a way to use up leftover potato scraps? These crispy little bites were first created in the 1950s and quickly became a beloved snack and side dish across America. Now, they’re a staple in everything from casseroles to party appetizers, and we’re here for it!

Cooking Tips for the Best BBQ Tater Tot Casserole

• Extra Crispy Tots: If you love your tater tots extra crispy, you can bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes before adding the toppings. This will give them that irresistible crunch!
• Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce in this recipe. Whether you like it sweet, tangy, or smoky, it’ll make the dish uniquely yours.
• Add Extra Toppings: For a little extra flavor and texture, you can add diced red onions, jalapeños, or even crispy bacon bits before baking.

Optional Variations

• Pulled Pork Tater Tot Casserole: Swap out the shredded chicken for pulled pork for an even more decadent BBQ casserole.
• Vegetarian BBQ Casserole: Skip the chicken and use a plant-based BBQ alternative or simply add extra beans and veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Spicy BBQ Casserole: Add a little heat to your casserole by mixing in some spicy BBQ sauce or sprinkling on crushed red pepper flakes before baking.

Photo bypinterest

BBQ Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 32-ounce package tater tots
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (such as Lawry’s)
• 1 cup shredded chicken
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 8-ounce can baked beans
• 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Sour cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Bake the tater tots: Spread the tater tots in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray and season with seasoning salt. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
3. Prepare the BBQ chicken: While the tater tots are baking, stir together the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a bowl until well coated.
4. Layer the casserole: Once the tater tots are crispy, remove them from the oven. Top them with the BBQ chicken mixture, followed by the baked beans, spreading everything evenly across the top.
5. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Once baked, drizzle sour cream over the top of the casserole and serve hot. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Tater Tot Casserole brings together all the best parts of a backyard BBQ in a simple, comforting dish. With the combination of crispy tater tots, tangy BBQ chicken, and creamy cheese, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a party, this is one dish that everyone will love to dig into!