Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews
  • Author: Isabella
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking the casserole.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Add enchilada sauce: Drizzle the red enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring good coverage.
  6. Bake: Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://isabellavance.com/easy-taco-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/