Name: Taco Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz); 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz); 1 cup frozen corn; 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup (10.5 oz); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz); ½ cup diced onion; ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional); ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a comforting, family-friendly dinner that's packed with bold flavors and crispy, cheesy goodness, this Taco Tater Tot Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even gameday gatherings, this dish brings together everything you love about tacos and tater tots in one irresistible bake. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

It's incredibly easy and requires just one pan for minimal cleanup.
The combination of taco-seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots is simply mouthwatering.
Fully customizable with your favorite toppings and proteins.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or storing leftovers for later.
Kid-approved and sure to satisfy picky eaters!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning mix
½ cup water
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, and salsa (for serving – optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prep and Sauté

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Taco Flavors

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture, add the water, and stir to combine. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and thickened.

Step 3: Mix in Veggies and Assemble

Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Remove from heat. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melty and the tater tots are golden and crisp.

Step 5: Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with chopped cilantro, green onions, sour cream, or salsa as desired!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Notes

If you like extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.
Drain tomatoes and beans well to prevent a soggy casserole.
For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely!).

Variations

Chicken Taco Tater Tot Casserole: Substitute cooked, shredded chicken for the ground beef.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and double the black beans and corn.
Spicy Southwest Style: Add chipotle peppers in adobo and pepper jack cheese for a smoky kick.

Required Equipment

Large skillet
9x13-inch baking dish
Wooden spoon
Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Storage Instructions

Let the casserole cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave individual portions. Freeze for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly; thaw overnight before reheating.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a simple green salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette.
Pair with Mexican rice or a side of refried beans.
Top each serving with crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch!

Pro Tips

Use sharp cheddar for the boldest cheesy flavor.
Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes helps it set for cleaner slices.
Arrange tater tots in neat rows for optimal crispiness and even coverage.

FAQ

Can I make Taco Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?: Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and is a lighter alternative, just season well to build up flavor.
How do I keep my tater tots crispy?: Bake uncovered, and for extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!