Taco Tater Tot Casserole – Experience the delight of Taco Tater Tot Casserole, a dish that combines the tangy flavors of tacos with the crispy, golden perfection of tater tots. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, for family dinners or gatherings ensuring an abundant table. The key ingredients that breathe life into this casserole include ground beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes with chiles, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and of course the star of the show – tater tots. Brace yourself for an explosion of flavors that’s both comforting and exhilarating!
The first time I prepared this Taco Tater Tot Casserole I was seeking something unique to spice up our usual dinner routine. The moment it emerged from the oven – glistening with its hue and bubbling enticingly – I knew I had discovered something special. My husband, a fan of anything related to tacos was instantly captivated by it; while my child… Well… Let’s just say tater tots hold a special place in their hearts. The entire family devoured it eagerly without leaving a tot behind. It has now become a cherished dish, in our household. Requested at least once every month!
What makes this Taco Tater Tot Casserole truly special?
What sets this Taco Tater Tot Casserole apart is its fusion of textures and flavors. The use of ground beef ensures a satisfying and protein-rich foundation while the taco seasoning adds a touch of spice and warmth. The diced tomatoes and green chiles bring a tanginess and freshness to the dish complementing the richness of the cheddar cheese and the creaminess of the sour cream. We can’t overlook the tater tots, which provide a crispy contrast that’s absolutely irresistible. Additionally, this recipe is incredibly convenient to prepare taking 10 minutes of prep time making it an excellent choice, for busy evenings during the week.
What You Need To Make This Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe?
Lean Ground Beef: Opting for lean ground beef is a choice if you want to make a healthier dish. It reduces fats without compromising the hearty flavors that beef brings to the table. The ground beef serves as the protein-packed foundation of your casserole absorbing all the delicious taco seasonings for a satisfying kick.
Taco Seasoning: The taco seasoning packet is, like a flavor powerhouse packed with a blend of spices such as cumin, chili powder and garlic. It completely transforms the ground beef into a fiesta of flavors infusing the dish with that taco taste we all love.
Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles: Diced tomatoes and green chiles add a dimension to the dish. The juicy tomatoes provide a sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the heat from the green chiles. To ensure flavor it’s best to use them undrained so their tasty juices contribute to the sauciness of your casserole.
Water: A splash of water does wonders in deglazing your pan. This helps capture every bit of flavor from the beef and spices ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup: If you want your casserole to have a texture then condensed cheddar cheese soup is your secret weapon. It brings everything together perfectly creating a velvety base, for those delightful tater tots to nestle into.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds richness to balance the spiciness of the taco seasoning and chiles creating an element that enhances the overall flavor.
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese brings a sharpness and tanginess perfectly complementing the beef while creating irresistibly cheesy strands in every mouthful.
Frozen Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are the star of this casserole! They provide a contrast of textures, with their crispy layer and fluffy interior. As they soak up the flavors of the casserole they maintain their satisfying crunch making each bite a combination of textures and flavors.
Steps To Make Taco Tater Tot Casserole:
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350ºF and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray with your favorite cooking spray to make everything non-stick. Now, let’s get cooking! Grab a large skillet and cook your minced beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Be sure to drain any excess fat – we want all the flavor, none of the grease. Next, throw in your taco spice mix, the undrained tomatoes with green chiles, and a splash of water. Give it a good stir and let it simmer away for 5 minutes, letting all those flavors mingle together.
Step 2: Now, in a large mixing bowl, let’s bring everyone to the party – add your cooked beef, a handful of cheddar cheese, those irresistible tater tots, the creamy cheddar cheese soup, and the sour cream. Mix it all together until everything is happily combined. Take your mixture and spread it evenly in your prepared baking dish, making sure every inch is covered. Pop it in the oven and bake for a good 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly and irresistible. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and the wait is so worth it.
Tip:
Enhance your Taco Tater Tot Casserole with a burst of freshness right before serving. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a zesty kick, while dollops of sour cream balance the spice with a cool, creamy texture. For an extra punch of flavor and color, top it off with diced fresh tomatoes or a scoop of guacamole. These simple, fresh additions not only make the dish more vibrant but also allow for personalization at the dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Of course! You have the option to put together the casserole cover it with foil and refrigerate for, up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze the Taco Tater Tot Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes wonderfully. Simply assemble it, allow it to cool completely then tightly cover with foil and freeze. When you’re ready to indulge thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed.
What can I serve with Taco Tater Tot Casserole?
While this dish is quite satisfying on its own it pairs nicely with a side of salad steamed vegetables or even a dollop of guacamole or salsa on top, for an added burst of flavor.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Taco Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 1-ounce package taco seasoning
- 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- ⅓ c water
- 1 10.5-ounce can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 16-ounce container sour cream
- 2 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 32-ounce package frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Heat a skillet, over high heat. Add 1½ pounds of ground beef and cook using a spatula to break it apart until fully browned and no longer pink. Remember to drain any fat.
- To the skillet add the 1-ounce package of taco seasoning, the diced tomatoes and green chiles from a 10-ounce can and ⅓ cup of water. Stir everything together. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- In a mixing bowl combine the beef mixture with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, the frozen tater tots from a 32-ounce package the condensed cheddar cheese soup, from a 10.5-ounce can and the entire container of sour cream (16 ounces). Mix everything thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Spread the beef and tot mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Place the dish in your oven. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes.
- Make sure you aim for a crispy top while ensuring that the casserole is hot and bubbly all the way through.
- After baking take the casserole out of the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then cut it into slices, serve it and savor your delicious homemade Taco Tater Tot Casserole!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
One Response
Very easy to make. My Great greatgrandchildren loved it. We will have this again soon.