Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

A warm, cheesy family meal that is quick and easy.

introduction

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole mixes beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and crispy tater tots. It heats fast and feeds a crowd. If you like other tater tot casseroles, try a different twist like this chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole for more ideas.

why make this recipe

• It is fast to prepare and bakes in one dish.
• Kids and adults both usually like it.
• You can make it ahead and reheat.
• It uses pantry staples and frozen tater tots.

how to make Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is easy. Brown the beef, add seasoning and veggies, top with tater tots and cheese, then bake until golden. Below are the ingredients and steps you need.

Ingredients :

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bag tater tots (about 32 ounces)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through.
4. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly.
5. Top with tater tots in a single layer, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve hot, topped with sour cream and garnished with chopped green onions.

how to serve Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Serve hot from the oven. Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions. A side salad or chips and salsa make a good match. For a different taco feel, serve with warm tortillas or try ideas from a similar dish like taco tater tot casserole.

how to store Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

• Cool the casserole to room temperature before storing.
• Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave single portions.
• For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

• Drain the beef well so the casserole is not watery.
• Use frozen tater tots straight from the bag for best crispiness.
• Add more cheese on top for extra gooeyness.
• Bake on the middle rack so the tots crisp evenly.
• If you like heat, add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne.

variation (if any)

• Make it vegetarian: swap cooked lentils or extra beans for the beef.
• Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Stir in a can of green chilies or a cup of salsa for more flavor.
• Top with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble and cover, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q: Can I skip the beans or corn?
A: Yes. You can leave them out or replace them with other vegetables you like.

Q: How do I make the tater tots crispier?
A: Bake a few extra minutes and use the oven’s top heat if available. Do not cover the dish while baking.

Q: Is this dish freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze the baked casserole or the unbaked assembled dish for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Conclusion

For a full recipe page and extra tips, see this Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe.

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

A warm, cheesy family meal that is quick and easy, mixing beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and crispy tater tots.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for less grease.
• 1 packet taco seasoning Choose your favorite brand.
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed Can substitute with kidney beans.
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned If using frozen, do not thaw.
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies Choose mild or hot based on preference.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Or use any other preferred cheese.
• 1 bag tater tots (about 32 ounces) Use straight from the bag for best crispiness.
• 1/2 cup sour cream For serving, optional.
• to taste Chopped green onions For garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through.
4. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly.
5. Top with tater tots in a single layer, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Baking

1. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
2. Serve hot, topped with sour cream and garnished with chopped green onions.

Notes

Cool the casserole to room temperature before storing. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, about 15-20 minutes. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.