Taco Tater Casserole is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic taco with the crispy texture of tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, green chiles, and plenty of cheese. It’s topped with golden tater tots and baked to perfection with enchilada sauce and extra cheese for a comforting meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can Old El Paso diced green chiles
- 1 (1 oz) package Old El Paso taco seasoning mix
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (12 oz) package frozen corn
- 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 (28 oz) package frozen tater tots
- 1 (10 oz) can Old El Paso red enchilada sauce
- Optional Toppings: olives, cilantro, sour cream, tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. For extra crispy tater tots, pre-bake them for about 10 minutes while preparing the beef mixture.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic towards the end of the browning process and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Ingredients to the Beef:
- Stir in the diced green chiles, taco seasoning mix, black beans, and frozen corn. Mix until well combined. Add 2 cups of the shredded Mexican blend cheese and stir to combine. If your skillet isn’t large enough, transfer the mixture to a large bowl to mix.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the beef mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the mixture in a single layer.
- Add the Enchilada Sauce:
- Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the casserole and return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve:
- Top the casserole with optional toppings such as sliced olives, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and diced tomatoes if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Crispy Tater Tots: Pre-baking the tater tots before adding them to the casserole ensures they stay crispy and add a nice texture to the dish.
- Mixing Bowl: If your skillet isn’t large enough to mix all the ingredients, use a large mixing bowl to combine everything before transferring it to the baking dish.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste. Avocado, jalapeños, or green onions would also make great additions.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Serving Suggestions
- Occasions: Ideal for family dinners, game days, or potlucks.
- Sides: Serve with a fresh green salad, guacamole, or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Taco Tater Casserole with your family and friends!
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