Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining classic taco ingredients with crispy tater tots, it’s both comforting and fun to eat. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and the crowd-pleasing taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 ounce can diced green chiles
- 1 ounce package taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 15.25 ounce can whole kernel corn
- 3 cups (12 oz) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 28 ounce frozen tater tots
- 1 1/4 cups (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- Cilantro, optional
- Sour cream, optional
- Avocado, optional
- Tomatoes, optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic toward the end and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced green chiles, taco seasoning mix, salsa, black beans, corn, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Combine well. If your skillet is too small, you can mix everything directly in the casserole dish.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer.
- Step 5: Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the tater tots.
- Step 6: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts.
- Step 8: Serve warm, topped with optional cilantro, sour cream, avocado slices, and diced tomatoes as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or use spicy salsa.
- Swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans based on preference.
- Use homemade taco seasoning for a fresher flavor without preservatives.
- Try mixing in some cooked rice or quinoa for added texture and heartiness.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting cooked lentils or plant-based meat for ground beef.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the tater tots regain some crispness, or use a microwave for quicker reheating. Note that reheated tater tots may be softer.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.
What can I use if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
You can substitute with salsa verde or a mild tomato-based pasta sauce. For a closer flavor, mix tomato sauce with chili powder and other Mexican spices.
Print
Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a deliciously hearty and convenient meal that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and melted cheddar cheese topped with crispy tater tots and enchilada sauce. Perfect for family dinners, it’s a flavorful twist on classic taco flavors baked to perfection in a casserole dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 ounce can diced green chiles
- 1 ounce package taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 15.25 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
- 3 cups (12 oz) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 28 ounce frozen tater tots
- 1 1/4 cups (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
Optional Toppings
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Cook the ground beef mixture: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic toward the end and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in diced green chiles, taco seasoning mix, salsa, rinsed black beans, drained corn, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine. If your skillet is too small, you can transfer the mixture into your casserole dish now.
- Layer the casserole: Pour the beef and bean mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the mixture.
- Add enchilada sauce: Drizzle the red enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring good coverage.
- Bake: Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Top with cheese: Remove the casserole and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve with toppings: Garnish with optional fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, and chopped tomatoes to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking the cheese on top, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Drain the corn before adding it to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet for easy cooking and cleaning.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Customize toppings based on preference or dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: Taco Casserole, Tater Tot Casserole, Mexican Casserole, Easy Dinner, Ground Beef Recipe, Cheesy Taco Bake, Family Meal
