Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 40 reviews

This Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, spicy RO*TEL tomatoes, pinto beans, and crispy tater tots, all layered with melted Mexican cheese and fresh green onions. Perfect for a family dinner, it bakes to golden perfection and is great served with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 taco seasoning packet (about 1 oz)
  • 1 (10 ounce) can RO*TEL tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
  • 1 (30 ounce) package tater tots
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the ground beef and onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is cooked through and the onions are soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
  3. Combine ingredients: Add the taco seasoning packet, RO*TEL tomatoes (with their juices), and drained pinto beans to the cooked meat mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
  4. Layer the casserole: Spread the meat and bean mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese and sliced green onions evenly over the meat layer.
  5. Add tater tots: Carefully arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese and green onions, covering the entire surface.
  6. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve with toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Offer optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes to enhance the dish.

Notes

  • You can substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
  • Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based sour cream to make it dairy-free or vegan-friendly.
  • If you prefer crispier tater tots, broil the casserole for the last 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/taco-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/