It's time to make the BEST Taco Tater Tot Casserole recipe. This easy, cheesy Mexican-inspired recipe has all your favorites, including ground beef, beans, and crispy tater tots topped with enchilada sauce and cheese!
Some call it Mexican Tater Tot Hotdish. Either way, it's incredible!
If there's one thing we all know, it's that tater tots make everything better. And when you put those tots together with some taco-inspired ingredients, the results are absolutely delicious. The whole family loves them!
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Why We Love This Recipe
- This Mexican casserole recipe is perfect for an easy, tasty weeknight meal.
- It's a tried and true recipe that readers can't get enough of.
- Kids and families love it! It's a hearty meal!
- It's great leftover. Just reheat and serve!
Our family can't decide if Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole or Taco is better!
Ingredient Notes
Here are the simple ingredients.
- Lean ground beef - we like to use 85% or leaner ground beef, but use what's available or on sale.
- onion - diced small so it doesn't overpower the dish. You can leave them out if you have a picky eater.
- red bell peppers - diced small (optional if you have picky eaters).
- garlic - minced
- green chilies - the kind you find diced in a can. We use mild, but you can use the hot variety if your family prefers some heat.
- taco seasoning - we like homemade taco seasoning mix, but you can also use an Old El Paso seasoning packet.
- black beans - make sure to rinse and drain them before putting them in the casserole.
- frozen corn - frozen works great, and there's no need to thaw it first.
- Mexican cheese blend- we like to shred the cheese ourselves because it melts better, but you can also use pre-shredded packaged cheese.
- Bag of tater tots - a bag of frozen tots is all you need!
- red enchilada sauce - whatever variety your family likes.
Find the full recipe in the printable recipe card below.
Topping Ideas
Like your favorite taco recipe, there are delicious toppings that make the meal your own. Try any one of these or a combo!
- cilantro
- sour cream
- diced Tomatoes
- guacamole
- sliced olives
- green onions
- hot sauce
Substitutions & Variations
- You can easily swap the black bean for pinto beans in this Mexican-inspired tater tot casserole.
- You can use ground bison, ground chicken, or ground turkey instead of ground beef in this casserole.
- Substitute your favorite type of cheese in the recipe. Monterey jack, pepper jack, and sharp cheddar cheese are all good!
- If you don't like corn, you can substitute another vegetable, like spinach or mushrooms, or leave it out.
- Leave out the meat for a vegetarian tater tot taco casserole, but double your beans and add some veggies.
How to make tater tot taco casserole
Let's mix up taco Tuesday and make an easy casserole recipe!
- STEP 1: PREP - Place your rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. (204 Celsius). Then, spray your 9 x 13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- STEP 2: MIX SEASONING - In a small bowl, add the taco seasoning (chili powder, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper) and mix until combined.
- STEP 3: COOK BEEF, ONIONS, AND PEPPERS - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef, onions, and peppers breaking up the meat as you cook it. Add the garlic at the last minute of cooking. Drain off the fat.
- STEP 4: ADD INGREDIENTS TO MEAT - Now, add the green chiles, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and two cups of shredded cheese to the ground beef mixture. Stir until combined.
- STEP 5: ADD TO PAN + TOP WITH SAUCE - Place the meat mixture into your prepared pan. Evenly pour the enchilada sauce over the meat. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the mixture.
- STEP 6: BAKE - Now, Bake uncovered in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the tater tots are crispy and golden. Top with the remaining cup of cheese and place back in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
When ready to serve, add your favorite taco toppings and enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- For crispier tots, bake them for 10 minutes per package instructions while cooking your beef mixture.
- We recommend at least 85% or leaner ground beef.
- Try making your own taco seasoning. It's healthier, less expensive, and so delish! You would use 2-3 tablespoons in this recipe.
- This recipe doubles easily. Just use a second casserole dish. This cooking hack is a great way to cook once and eat twice.
- To easily break up the ground meat, use a Meat spatula/chopper. You will love this gadget because it works so well. #gamechanger
- You can use a large cast-iron pan for cooking your casserole.
- This is a gluten-free taco tot recipe if you make your own taco seasoning and double-check that the other ingredients you're adding don't contain gluten.
What to Eat with Tater Tot Casserole
If you're eating Casserole as the main dish, try serving this easy Mexican tater tot casserole recipe with refried beans, green beans, roasted veggies, spinach, or fresh green salad.
How to Store
REFRIGERATOR - Store your leftover Tater Tot Taco Bake in an airtight container or cover it in plastic wrap in the fridge for five days.
To reheat in the oven, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cook for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. Alternatively, place individual servings in the microwave and heat for a minute.
FREEZER Tater Tot Casserole - Yes, you can freeze your taco tater tot casserole either before baking it or after. This Tater Tot Casserole Freezer Meal article includes all the details on how to do it easily, plus how to reheat it.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! To reheat in the oven, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cook for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. Alternatively, place individual servings in the microwave and heat for a minute. Note - tater tots do not remain crisp when reheated in the microwave.
Although not quite the same thing, you can use hash browns on top of this casserole. Just make sure they brown up before taking the casserole out of the oven.
More Tater Tot Recipes
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Printable Recipe
Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan
- large skillet
- Spatula or cooking spoon
- knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85% or leaner ground beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced small
- 1 medium red pepper, diced small (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles (mild or hot)
- 1 1-ounce package taco seasoning (or 2-3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 15-ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 10-ounce package frozen corn (no need to thaw it)
- 3 cups Mexican blend cheese (shredded)
- 1 10-ounce can red enchilada sauce
- 1 32-ounce package frozen tater tots (you may not use them all)
Topping Ideas
- cilantro
- sour cream
- tomatoes
- guacamole
- sliced olives
- green onions
- hot sauce
Instructions
- Place your rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. (204 Celsius). Then, spray your 9 x 13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, add the taco seasoning (chili powder, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper) and mix until combined.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef, onions, and peppers breaking up the meat as you cook it. Add the garlic at the last minute of cooking. Drain off the fat.
- Add the green chiles, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and two cups of shredded cheese to the meat mixture. Stir until combined.
- Place the meat mixture into your prepared pan. Evenly pour the enchilada sauce over the meat. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the mixture.
- Bake uncovered in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the tater tots are crispy and golden. Top with the remaining cup of cheese and place back in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Video
Notes
- For crispier tots, bake them for 10 minutes per package instructions while cooking your beef mixture.
- We recommend at least 85% or leaner ground beef.
- Try making your own taco seasoning. It's healthier, less expensive, and so delish! You would use 2-3 tablespoons in this recipe.
- Substitute your favorite type of cheese in the recipe. Monterey jack, pepper jack, and sharp cheddar cheese are all good!
Megan Barrett says
This is a great hit in my family. Very easy to make and all loved it.
Erin Henry says
Oh, yay! We're so happy to hear it! It's such a family-friendly recipe!
melissa says
Tater tots and enchiladas two of my favorites!
Erin Henry says
Taco Tuesday just got a little more interesting with this taco recipe! The taco seasoning and enchilada sauce really bring the whole dish together!
Beth Reilly says
WOW! This is so yummy. Even y picky 12 year old loved it!
Erin Henry says
It's a kid favorite around our house. Glad your family enjoyed it!