1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) to get things started.

2: In a small bowl, mix the 1 cup ketchup and 1 cup barbecue sauce. Set aside half of this sauce mixture for later use.

3: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the 2 pounds lean ground beef, 30 crushed Ritz crackers, 1 envelope dry onion soup mix, 2 large eggs, and the reserved half of the sauce mixture. Mix everything by hand until it’s well blended.

4: Press the meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer.

5: Spread the remaining sauce mixture evenly over the top of the meat for that tangy glaze.

6: Arrange the 24 ounces frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sauce for a crispy finish.

7: Sprinkle the 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.

8: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup real bacon pieces evenly over the cheese.

9: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

10: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 40 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through, making the total baking time 75 minutes.

11: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving, as this allows the flavors to meld perfectly.