Taco Tater Tot Casserole

This easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole puts a fun twist on Taco Tuesday! Seasoned ground beef is topped with crispy tater tots and plenty of melted cheese for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make on busy weeknights.

this recipe!

If you love Tex Mex flavors try my taco casserole with Fritos, beef enchilada casserole, taco spaghetti, Mexican chicken casserole, Mexican lasagna and cheesy taco pasta bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun Taco Tuesday twist: All the taco flavors everyone loves, topped with crispy golden tater tots.
• Easy family dinner: Simple ingredients and easy prep make it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Cheesy comfort food: Seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese make this casserole hearty and satisfying.
• Kid-friendly favorite: Familiar taco flavors and tater tots make this an easy dinner the whole family can dig into.

Serve with my Mexican jalapeño cornbread, sweet cornbread, honey butter, cilantro lime rice, Mexican street corn pasta salad, pico de Gallo, corn salsa with black beans or a green salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 (32 ounce) package frozen tater tots
• Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes

How To Make Taco Tater Tot Casserole

STEP ONE – Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

STEP TWO – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

STEP THREE – Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

STEP FOUR – Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

STEP FIVE – Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

STEP SIX – Sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the beef mixture.

STEP SEVEN – Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the beef mixture completely.

STEP EIGHT – Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.

STEP NINE – Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with chopped fresh cilantro, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, if desired.

Can I make this tater tot casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the beef and vegetable mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble it with the tater tots when ready to bake to save time on busy days.

Storage and reheating instructions

Store by covering with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze by assembling the casserole without baking, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheat in a 350°F oven in a baking dish until heated through or in the microwave with a microwave-safe dish using 30 second intervals until heated through.

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