Taco Tater Tot Casserole
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Taco tater tot casserole is taco night in a 9×13 pan: taco-seasoned ground beef with beans, corn and cheese, covered in a layer of crispy tater tots. It takes 15 minutes to put together and feeds a family of 6 to 8.
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Bake: 35–40 minutes at 425°F
- Serves: 8 (9×13-inch dish)
- Make-ahead friendly: yes, assemble the filling a day ahead
How to keep the tots crispy
Three things matter: use the tots straight from the freezer, bake uncovered, and use a hot oven (425°F). Drain the tomatoes and corn well too, so the filling doesn’t steam the tots from underneath.
Easy swaps
- Protein: ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Beans: pinto beans or refried beans spread in a thin layer.
- Creamy version: stir a can of condensed cheddar soup or 4 oz cream cheese into the filling instead of the sour cream.
- Spice: use hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños.
Taco Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the beef: Cook the beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Drain the fat.
- Season: Stir in the taco seasoning with ¼ cup of water and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the drained tomatoes, black beans, corn and sour cream.
- Layer: Spread the filling in the baking dish and sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheese. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the tots are golden and crisp. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and bake 3 to 5 minutes more until melted.
- Rest and serve: Let it stand for 5 minutes, then top with green onions, tomatoes, sour cream or salsa.
Notes
What You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – the standard size for casseroles, and the lid makes leftovers easy
- Taco holders – keep tacos upright while filling
- Glass meal prep containers – store leftovers safely
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate leftovers covered for 3 to 4 days. The microwave works but softens the tots; for crispy leftovers reheat portions in a 375°F oven for 15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes. You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months, though the tots won’t be quite as crisp.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can, but the tots won’t crisp. For the best texture, bake it in the oven.
Should I thaw the tater tots first?
No. Frozen tots crisp better; thawed tots get soggy.
What do I serve with it?
A simple green salad, corn on the cob, or chips and salsa.
