Description

This easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole recipe with everyone’s favourite taco filling is the perfect way to change up taco Tuesdays with a fun twist. Mexican seasoned ground beef is topped with the delicious, comforting texture of crispy tater tots and cheese. It’s a taco but with tater tots, for a crowd pleasing and satisfying weeknight dinner!!

Ingredients

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

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Instructions

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

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

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, sNrring occasionally, unNl the onion is soX and translucent, about 5 minutes.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Oven Baked
Cuisine: Mexican-American