Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Looking for a delicious and family-friendly dinner idea? This Taco Tater Tot Casserole combines all the bold flavors of tacos with the comforting crunch of tater tots. This casserole is sure to become a household favorite, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game day feasts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep and basic pantry staples make this a quick and convenient meal.
- Customizable: Adjust toppings and spices to suit your family’s tastes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa or diced tomatoes (mild, medium, or spicy based on preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite taco cheese blend)
For the Topping:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet until the meat is browned and the onion is soft about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the cheese. For extra crunch, make sure the tater tots are evenly spaced and not overlapping.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with your choice of green onions, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Taco Tater Tot Casserole
- Cheese Lovers: Add an extra layer of cheese on top of the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.
- Spice it Up: Use spicy salsa, pepper jack cheese, or sprinkle red chili flakes to increase the heat level.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or additional beans and veggies.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and store in the fridge, then bake when ready.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Base:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning
- 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn drained
- 1 cup salsa or diced tomatoes mild, medium, or spicy based on preference
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite taco cheese blend
- For the Topping:
- 1 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
- Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet until the meat is browned and the onion is soft about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through and well combined.
- Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the cheese. For extra crunch, make sure the tater tots are evenly spaced and not overlapping.
- Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with your choice of green onions, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños. Serve hot and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use a different meat? Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully.
Can I add more veggies? Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or diced tomatoes make excellent additions.
What side dishes pair well with this casserole? A fresh green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans are great options to round out the meal.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a fun Tex-Mex twist. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Save this recipe to your Pinterest board and share it with friends – it’s a guaranteed hit!