Name: Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup onion, diced; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade); 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles; 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 ½ cups frozen corn; 1 ½ cups red enchilada sauce; 1 cup thick salsa; 3 cups shredded cheese, divided; 4 cups frozen tater tots

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning, ground beef, and cheesy goodness with crispy tater tots for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal. Packed with hearty ingredients like black beans, corn, and salsa, this casserole is a flavor-packed, comforting dish that will become a family favorite in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy, savory twist. The crispy tater tots on top provide the perfect crunch, while the seasoned beef, beans, corn, and salsa create a deliciously rich and satisfying base. Topped with melted cheese, it’s a dish that hits all the right flavor notes. It’s simple to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and always a crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s highly customizable – feel free to add your favorite toppings or switch up the ingredients.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade)
1 (4-ounce) can green chiles
1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 ½ cups frozen corn
1 ½ cups red enchilada sauce
1 cup thick salsa
3 cups shredded cheese, divided
4 cups frozen tater tots

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If you don’t have a 12-inch oven-safe skillet, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned, then drain any excess fat.
Stir in the taco seasoning, green chiles, black beans, corn, salsa, and enchilada sauce. Mix until combined.
Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheese and mix again.
Place the frozen tater tots on top of the meat mixture and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Garnish with your favorite taco toppings and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 503 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or a meat substitute such as Beyond Meat.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
Taco-Style Toppings: Add your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, lettuce, or olives after baking.
Cheese Lovers: Feel free to use a combination of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the directions.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef. Just be sure to season it well to ensure it has plenty of flavor.

2. Can I make this casserole without the tater tots?

You can replace the tater tots with frozen hash browns, tortilla chips, or even mashed potatoes for a different variation of the casserole.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. A blend of cheese works great for added flavor.

4. How can I make this casserole spicier?

To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the meat mixture before baking. You can also use spicy salsa or add some diced poblano peppers.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with beans, lentils, or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version of the casserole.

6. Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh or even canned corn as a substitute for the frozen corn. Just be sure to drain and rinse any canned corn.

7. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve.

8. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.

9. What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve it with a side of Mexican rice, a simple salad, or some tortilla chips for extra crunch. For a refreshing touch, try adding some sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream.

10. Can I make this casserole without the salsa?

If you don’t have salsa, you can use a bit more enchilada sauce or add diced tomatoes with some additional seasoning to make up for the missing flavor.

Conclusion

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish with the perfect combination of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and cheesy goodness. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s ideal for a family dinner, potlucks, or even a game-day snack. Customizable and full of flavor, it’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy this fun twist on a classic casserole!