Taco Tater Tot Casserole

No ratings yet

Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a cheesy, Mexican-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Easy to make, family-friendly, and absolutely delicious!

Prep Time10

Cook Time45

Total Time55

Course: Dinner, Main, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: Servings

Calories: 526kcal

Author: Jeremy Klae

Equipment

1 Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

2 ¼ lb Lean Ground Beef
1 Yellow Onion Diced
2 tablespoon Fresh Minced Garlic
2 Packets Taco Seasoning
½ Cup Red Enchilada Sauce
½ Cup Water
10 Oz Canned Corn Drained
10 Oz Rotel Canned
15 Oz Black Beans Canned
3 Cups Shredded Fiesta Blend Cheese
32 Oz Tater Tots Frozen and Bagged
Desired Toppings

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°f.
Cook the ground beef and chopped onions in a medium-high to high skillet until the beef is brown and the onions are translucent.
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the taco seasoning, red enchilada sauce, and water, mixing well.
Add the corn, beans, and Rotel, combining thoroughly.
Be sure the mixture is evenly distributed in the skillet by spreading with the backside of a spatula.
Top with shredded fiesta blend cheese.
Top with frozen tater tots.
Bake in the oven for 45 minutes.
For an extra crispy and golden brown top, broil at 550°f for 3 minutes or until desired crispiness.
Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Brown the beef properly: Make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and slightly crispy. This step enhances the flavor and ensures you don’t end up with soggy meat in your casserole.
Layer your cheese: For that perfectly cheesy casserole, divide the shredded cheese. Save some extra to sprinkle on top of the tater tots for a melty, golden crust.
Customize your toppings: Add extra toppings like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or sliced black olives to give your casserole a personal touch. These fresh ingredients add a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy base.
Bake until crispy: Make sure to bake until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. This makes the casserole more delicious and adds the perfect texture contrast. If you need extra crispiness, turn the oven to broil at 550°f for about 3 minutes or until the desired texture is obtained.
Make it ahead: You can prepare this Tater Tot Taco Casserole in advance by assembling the dish and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, just bake it as directed.
Spice it up: If you like it hot, add some diced jalapeños or extra chili powder into the taco meat mixture to kick up the heat.

Nutrition