Hearty Taco Tater Tot Casserole: Simple Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)
Whip up a satisfying Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole! This simple recipe layers savory taco meat, cheese, and crispy tots for a weeknight family favorite.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy, Gluten
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Ground Beef (1 lb)
02 -
Tater Tots (1 bag, 32 oz)
03 -
Onion (1 medium, chopped)
04 -
Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
Taco Seasoning (1 packet, 1 oz)
06 -
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (1 can, 10 oz, undrained)
07 -
Beef Broth (1/2 cup)
→ Dairy & Toppings
08 -
Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
09 -
Sour Cream (for serving)
10 -
Green Onions (2, chopped, for garnish)
11 -
Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that oven screaming hot to 375°F (190°C). Grab your trusty 9x13 inch baking dish; honestly, any oven-safe dish around that size works. Give it a light spray with cooking spray; I always forget this step and then spend ages scrubbing later, so learn from my mistakes! This little bit of prep makes all the difference for easy cleanup and ensures nothing sticks.
02 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and let it sizzle until it's beautifully browned, no pink left. This is where the magic starts to happen, smelling so good! Drain all that excess grease, please, please don't skip this like I almost did that one time. Then, add your chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them cook down for about 3-5 minutes until they're soft and fragrant. The aroma filling your kitchen is just incredible.
03 -
Now for the flavor party! Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained, remember!), and that beef broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting all those spices wake up and mingle. Let it bubble away for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up a bit. You'll see it transform into this rich, savory taco filling—it's looking good, feeling right!
04 -
Time to build this masterpiece! Pour your delicious taco meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This forms the foundational layer of your Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole. Next, sprinkle one cup of that glorious shredded cheddar cheese right over the meat. Then, carefully arrange those frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Don't be shy; get them in there snugly for maximum coverage and crispiness later!
05 -
Pop that dish into your preheated oven. Let it bake for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the tots are getting beautifully golden and crispy, and the cheese underneath is melting into a gooey, delightful mess. The whole house will start smelling amazing, trust me. You'll see the edges of the tots turning that perfect golden-brown, a sign that deliciousness is on its way!
06 -
After that initial bake, pull the casserole out of the oven. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the tater tots. Back into the oven it goes for another 5-10 minutes, or until that top layer of cheese is bubbly, melted, and slightly browned. You want to see that beautiful, golden crust. This final touch makes the Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole irresistible, truly. Let it rest for a few minutes before diving in!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skimp on preheating the oven; those tots need a hot start for real crispiness!
02 -
This casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days, making lunch a breeze.
03 -
Ran out of cheddar? Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend works just as well, honestly.
04 -
A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro really elevate this dish, trust me.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Mixing spoon
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 510 Calories
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Protein: 30g