Crowd Pleaser Taco Tater Tot Casserole
A brilliant mashup of zesty taco night and nostalgic tater tot bake. This casserole features a rich, savory ground beef filling in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all tucked beneath a blanket of golden, crunchy tater tots, making it the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Can opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 recommended
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional Toppings: Sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, salsa
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir to coat. Let it toast for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles and the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir until a thick, creamy sauce forms.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the taco meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese evenly over the meat layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are deep golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings if desired.
Notes
For best results, do not thaw the tater tots before baking; this ensures a crispy topping. Be sure to drain the excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole. For variations, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom, or add a can of drained black beans or corn to the meat mixture for extra texture and flavor.