This Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a cheesy, crispy, and flavor-packed meal that combines all the best parts of tacos with crispy tater tots! Made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crunchy tater tots, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even game day. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that the whole family will love! 🌮🥔🧀✨
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup (250 ml) sour cream
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For Garnish (Optional):
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ cup sour cream or guacamole
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Drain excess grease, then add taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Stir sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheese into the beef mixture.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with green onions, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and extra sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Want it spicier? Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Why This Recipe Works
The crispy tater tots add an irresistible crunch, while the cheesy, seasoned taco filling makes every bite deliciously comforting. It’s a simple, satisfying meal with minimal prep!
Conclusion
This Taco Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, crispy, and loaded with bold taco flavors. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for any occasion. Try it today for a fun and delicious twist on taco night!🌮🥔🧀✨
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Taco Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make this casserole ahead of time! You can assemble the entire casserole, including the tater tots and cheese, and store it unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, assemble the casserole and freeze it for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time. For best results, allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in this Taco Tater Tot Casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in a 1:1 ratio for a leaner option. If you don’t have Rotel, you can use a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes and add a small can of diced green chilies. Black beans can be omitted or substituted with pinto beans, also drained and rinsed. For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture or use a spicier taco seasoning. If you prefer, you can also substitute Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for the cheddar cheese.
How do I know when the Taco Tater Tot Casserole is perfectly cooked?
The casserole is perfectly cooked when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Visually, the tater tots should be a deep golden brown color, not pale or burnt. Aromatic cues include the savory smell of cooked ground beef and melted cheese. The internal temperature of the beef mixture should reach 160°F (71°C). A slight bubbling of the cheese indicates that it is fully melted and the casserole is ready to serve.
Can I scale this Taco Tater Tot Casserole recipe up or double it?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe! Use a larger baking dish, such as a 9×13 inch pan or a larger rectangular pan. Double all the ingredients, including the ground beef, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, Rotel, black beans, sour cream, cheese, and tater tots. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, adding a few extra minutes to ensure the tater tots are fully cooked and crispy. Keep an eye on the casserole and adjust the baking time as needed.
What is the nutritional value of this Taco Tater Tot Casserole?
This Taco Tater Tot Casserole provides a good source of protein from the ground beef and black beans. It also contains calcium from the cheese and dairy. The tomatoes and onions contribute vitamins and fiber. This dish is a balanced meal with carbohydrates from the tater tots, protein from the beef and beans, and fats from the cheese and sour cream. Consider using lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese to reduce the fat content.
Taco Tater Tot Casserole
This scrumptious casserole combines the flavors of tacos and the crispy goodness of tater tots for a family-friendly dinner!
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 15 ounce can of black beans drained and rinsed
- 10 ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning, black beans, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Place tater tots evenly over the top of the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with sour cream and chopped green onions on top.
