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Taco Tater Tot Casserole4
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Taco Tater Tot Casserole

This Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining taco-seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to perfection. It's an easy, family-friendly casserole perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy, Taco
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions optional
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives optional
  • Sour cream and salsa for serving
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  • Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef, then pour in the water. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. This will create a flavorful and colorful filling.
  • Spread half of the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef layer. Add the remaining beef mixture on top, then cover with the remaining cheese.
  • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
  • Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sliced black olives, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side for added flavor.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Notes

For extra crispy tater tots, bake the casserole uncovered during the last 10 minutes. Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor. Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for more spice. Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing. Prepare a day ahead and refrigerate if desired. Vegetarian and dairy-free variations are available.