Taco Tater Tot Casserole

If you’re looking for a comfort food recipe that blends the zesty flavors of tacos with the crispiness of golden tater tots, this Taco Tater Tot Casserole is your answer. It’s the perfect fusion of Tex-Mex and classic American casserole, offering layers of cheesy, meaty goodness topped with crispy tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this dish is quick to prepare and impossible to resist.

In our home, Taco Tuesday often feels like a party, but it wasn’t until I created this Taco Tater Tot Casserole that the night truly became a tradition. One evening, I decided to get creative with leftover taco ingredients and a bag of tater tots sitting in the freezer. My husband took one bite and said, “This tastes like a hug in a pan!” Since then, this recipe has become a household staple. My little one loves picking off the crispy tater tots, and it’s a dish that brings us all to the table with smiles. Whether it’s for movie night or a quick weeknight meal, this casserole always disappears in minutes.

Why You’ll Love Taco Tater Tot Casserole

•Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and freezer.

•Family-Friendly: Perfect for picky eaters and customizable to your family’s tastes.

•Great for Leftovers: Even better the next day, making it ideal for meal planning.

•Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, crispy, and full of taco flavor.

Ingredients Notes For Taco Tater Tot Casserole

•Ground Beef: You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

•Taco Seasoning: Use store-bought or homemade for that signature taco flavor.

•Cheese: A mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack works wonderfully.

•Tater Tots: The crispier, the better! Opt for a seasoned variety for extra flavor.

•Optional Add-Ins: Diced green chilies, black beans, or corn add an extra layer of flavor.

Recipe Steps

1.Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish and set aside.

2.Cook the Filling: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, and stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Mix in black beans or corn if desired.

3.Layer the Casserole: Spread the taco mixture into the baking dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and arrange tater tots on top in a single layer.

4.Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

5.Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve warm.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

•Freezer: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Variations & Substitutions

•Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or a vegetarian protein like lentils or crumbled tofu.

•Add a spicy kick with jalapeños or hot sauce.

•Use sweet potato tots for a unique twist.

Taco Tater Tot Casserole

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Course: Casserole, Main Course

Kitchen: American, Mexican-Inspired

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• ▢ 1 packet 1 oz taco seasoning mix
• ▢ 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• ▢ 1 cup sour cream
• ▢ 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ▢ 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ▢ 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
• ▢ 1/4 cup chopped green onions optional, for garnish
• ▢ 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro optional, for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
• Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook according to package instructions.
• Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, cream of mushroom or chicken soup, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and half of the shredded cheeses. Stir until well mixed.
• Assemble the Casserole: Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses over the tater tots.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with green onions and cilantro, if desired. Serve hot.