Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Should you’re searching for a dinner that’s equal elements consolation meals and fiesta, this Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is it! It’s obtained all of the daring, zesty flavors of tacos—seasoned floor beef, candy peppers, and gooey queso—topped with crispy, golden Tater Tots. And let’s be trustworthy, any meal that entails Tater Tots is already a win in my ebook!

A pan of Mexican Tater Tot Casserole surrounded by ingredients.

That is the type of straightforward, crowd-pleasing meal that disappears quick. Whether or not you’re feeding a hungry household on a busy weeknight or simply craving one thing tacky and satisfying, this casserole checks all of the packing containers. Plus, it’s a breeze to throw collectively—just some easy steps, one pan for cooking, and straight into the oven it goes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Straightforward to Make: Brown the meat, combine within the seasoning, layer every part in a casserole dish, and bake. Dinner doesn’t get a lot less complicated!
Household-Pleasant: Filled with tacky, taco-inspired flavors that each children and adults will love. Plus, who can resist crispy Tater Tots?
Nice for Busy Nights: With minimal prep and hands-off baking time, it is a good go-to recipe for these nights if you want dinner on the desk quick.
Stuffed with Taste: Taco-seasoned beef, melty queso, and sharp cheddar cheese come collectively for the final word Tex-Mex-inspired consolation meals.
Customizable: Wish to spice it up? Add some jalapeños. Want somewhat crunch? Toss in some crushed tortilla chips on prime. You possibly can simply make it your individual.
Excellent for Meal Prep: Make it forward of time and reheat leftovers for a straightforward lunch or dinner later within the week.

Components

The total printable recipe card with measurements and directions is discovered on the backside of the put up.

Lean floor beef: The hearty base of the casserole, including richness and protein.
Candy onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth of taste to the dish.
Purple, orange, and yellow bell peppers: Add coloration, crunch, and a contact of pure sweetness.
Taco seasoning: Packs in daring, zesty Mexican-inspired taste with minimal effort. You can even use do-it-yourself taco seasoning.
Queso: A creamy, tacky layer that makes each chunk additional scrumptious. Attempt my do-it-yourself queso.
Frozen Tater Tots: The crispy, golden topping provides texture and enjoyable to the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Melted on prime for the right final touch of gooey, tacky goodness.

The best way to Make Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Step One: Warmth a big skillet over medium warmth. Add onions, peppers, and floor beef. Prepare dinner till the meat is now not pink and the onions and peppers are softened, about 7 to eight minutes. Stir in taco seasoning.

Collage of cooking the beef with the veggies and spices.

Step Two: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a big casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step Three: Unfold the meat combination evenly on the underside. Pour queso on prime and unfold to cowl the meat combination. Cowl with Tater Tots.
Step 4: Bake for 40 minutes. Take away from oven and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake a further 5 minutes or till cheese is melted. Serve scorching.

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What to Serve With It

Recent Inexperienced Salad: A easy facet salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a zesty lime French dressing balances the richness of the casserole.

Mexican Rice: A traditional facet that pairs completely with the taco flavors within the dish. Attempt cilantro lime rice for a contemporary twist!
Refried Beans or Black Beans: A protein-packed facet that provides much more Tex-Mex goodness to your meal.
Guacamole & Salsa: Serve with a facet of do-it-yourself guacamole, pico de gallo, or a chunky salsa for additional taste.
Bitter Cream: A dollop of bitter cream on prime provides a cool, creamy distinction to the tacky, spicy flavors.
Tortilla Chips: Nice for scooping up any additional queso and crumbled on prime for added crunch.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn makes a candy and savory facet that enhances the casserole.

A spatula lifting a slice of the recipe.

Variations and Substitutions

Change Up the Protein: Swap the bottom beef for floor turkey, rooster, and even plant-based crumbles for a lighter possibility.
Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños and a touch of scorching sauce, or use a spicy taco seasoning for an additional kick.
Attempt a Totally different Cheese: Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese mix would all work superbly.
Use a Totally different Sauce: As a substitute of queso, attempt enchilada sauce, a creamy salsa con queso, and even a mixture of bitter cream and shredded cheese for a distinct texture.
Add Extra Veggies: Stir in corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes for additional taste and texture.
Make It a One-Pan Meal: Brown the meat in an oven-safe skillet, layer every part on prime, and bake—no want for a casserole dish!
Crispier Tots: For additional crunch, bake the Tater Tots on a separate sheet pan first, then add them to the casserole earlier than baking.

Storage Directions

Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool fully, then cowl it tightly with plastic wrap or switch leftovers to an hermetic container. Retailer within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
Reheat: Heat particular person parts within the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes till heated via. If the highest appears dry, cowl with foil whereas reheating.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the absolutely cooked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for as much as 3 months. To reheat, thaw in a single day within the fridge and bake at 350°F for 25–half-hour till scorching and bubbly.
Make Forward: Assemble the casserole (with out baking), cowl tightly, and retailer within the fridge for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. When prepared, bake as directed—simply add just a few additional minutes if it’s chilly from the fridge.

Recipe Ideas and Methods

Drain Any Extra Grease: In case your beef releases lots of fats, drain it earlier than including the taco seasoning to maintain the casserole from getting too oily.
Organize Tater Tots in a Single Layer: This helps them crisp up properly within the oven as an alternative of getting soggy. If you would like them additional crispy, bake them individually first, then add them to the casserole.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese incorporates anti-caking brokers that may have an effect on melting. Shredding your individual cheese makes it soften smoother and style higher.
Let It Relaxation Earlier than Serving: After baking, permit the casserole to take a seat for about 5 minutes. This helps it arrange and makes it simpler to scoop.

Tater Tot Casserole Recipes

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The casserole surrounded by ingredients.

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Created by Stacie Vaughan

Prep Time 15 minutes

Prepare dinner Time 45 minutes

Complete Time 1 hour

This straightforward Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is loaded with seasoned beef, melty queso, crispy Tater Tots, and gooey cheddar cheese. A family-friendly dinner prepared very quickly!

Warmth a big skillet over medium warmth. Add onions, peppers and floor beef. Prepare dinner till beef is now not pink and onions and peppers are softened, about 7 to eight minutes. Stir in taco seasoning.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a big casserole dish with cooking spray. Unfold the meat combination on the underside evenly. Pour queso on prime and unfold to cowl beef combination. Cowl with Tater Tots. Bake for 40 minutes. Take away from oven and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake a further 5 minutes, or till cheese is melted. Serve scorching.

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The knowledge proven is an estimate supplied by a web based vitamin calculator. It shouldn’t be thought of an alternative to an expert nutritionist’s recommendation.

Course Casseroles

Delicacies Mexican

Key phrase tater tot casserole

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Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Components