Description
A hearty and flavorful Taco Tater Tot Casserole combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and cheeses topped with crispy tater tots. This easy-to-make casserole is baked to perfection for a satisfying family meal, perfect for taco lovers looking for a comforting twist.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 oz. packet)
- 1 cup salsa
- 10 oz. can enchilada sauce
Vegetables and Beans
- 15 oz. can black beans (drained and rinsed well)
- 15.25 oz. can corn (drained)
- 4 oz. can green chilis (drained)
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
Other
- 28 oz. frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings
- Tomatoes
- Black olives
- Green onions
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Sliced jalapenos
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: To the cooked beef, add taco seasoning, salsa, and enchilada sauce. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Beans, Corn, Chilis, and Cheese: Stir in the drained black beans, corn, and green chilis into the beef mixture. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in 1 cup each of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to combine evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake Until Crispy: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup each of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly on top. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with Toppings: Remove from oven and serve warm topped with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, black olives, sliced jalapenos, and green onions.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the black beans, corn, and green chilis well to avoid a watery casserole.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after the final cheese melt step, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture or microwave for convenience.
- Customize with other favorite taco ingredients like chopped bell peppers or jalapeno peppers if desired.
