Taco Tot Casserole

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This taco tot casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal that combines seasoned ground beef, salsa, and a mix of cheese topped with crispy tater tots. It’s like having your favorite taco fillings baked into a warm and comforting casserole.

Taco Tot Casserole is my ultimate comfort food mash-up. It combines the delicious flavors of seasoned ground beef and zesty taco spices with a blend of shredded cheeses. I like to use Cheddar, Colby Jack, and Monterey Jack for a rich, melty goodness. And let’s not forget the golden tater tots that add that perfect crunch.

Trust me, this Mexican Tater Tot casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is a super easy dinner recipe to make. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any get-together where I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why I love this recipe

• with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights
• everyone, from kids to adults, loves the combination of tacos and tater tots.
• you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences
• it’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you up from the inside out

If you are a big fan of easy casseroles be sure to also try this jiffy cornbread casserole with ground beef too!

Ingredients

• frozen tater tots
• ground beef
• taco seasoning
• water
• salsa (any kind)
• shredded cheese (I used a combination of Cheddar cheese, Colby jack and Monterey Jack cheese)

Step by step

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a baking dish with olive oil non-stick spray.
2. Spread the tater tots in the baking dish and bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and drain the excess fat.
4. Return the beef to the skillet and add taco seasoning, water, and salsa. Stir until well combined.

1. Remove half the tater tots from the casserole dish, leaving a single layer at the bottom.
2. Top with the meat mixture and half of the shredded cheese.
3. Add the remaining tater tots on top, followed by the remaining shredded cheese.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the tots are cooked through.

Variations

• add diced jalapeños, onion, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture
• swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, a meat substitute, pinto beans, or black beans
• add corn, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes to the meat mixture
• add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage instead of ground beef
• try pepper jack or mexican cheese blend instead

Serving suggestions

For a well-rounded meal, consider serving it with a fresh rainbow veggie salad, some steamed vegetables, or even a side of cilantro lime rice.

Top with your favorite taco toppings if you’d like…dollop of sour cream, olives, some guacamole, salsa verde, pico de gallo, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can also elevate the flavors and add a nice touch.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through or bake in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

This casserole also freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and storing it in the freezer.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

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