Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike? This Taco Tater Tot Casserole combines the comforting taste of Tater Tots with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, creating a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Perfect for a potluck, family dinner, or an impromptu gathering, this easy-to-make casserole brings together savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and a medley of veggies, all topped with gooey, melted cheese. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that can be on the table in just over an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re in need of a quick and satisfying meal.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 1 hr | Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins | Servings: 8
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (16 ounce) bag frozen whole-kernel corn with red and green bell peppers
- 1 (12 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 (12 ounce) bag shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen bite-sized potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots)
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can enchilada sauce
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until completely browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the frozen corn, black beans, onion, garlic, and taco seasoning mix to the ground beef; cook and stir for another 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine the ground beef mixture in a large bowl with about 3/4 of the Mexican cheese blend and the potato nuggets; stir to combine.
- Pour about 1/3 of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add the Tater Tot mixture to the baking dish; lightly pat the mixture down into a solid, even layer. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes more.
Recipe Tip:
Some kids don’t like onion or garlic; these can be omitted.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 477
- Fat: 27g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 25g
With its crispy Tater Tot topping and layers of seasoned beef, veggies, and cheese, this Taco Tater Tot Casserole is destined to become a family favorite. The combination of flavors and textures makes each bite a delightful experience, and the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip it up in no time. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or satisfying a craving for comfort food, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust to your family’s preferences—feel free to omit the onions or garlic if needed. Serve it up with your favorite toppings, and watch as this dish quickly disappears from the table!