If you are looking for kid-friendly casseroles, we have the best solution ever with this taco tater tot casserole recipe. Filled with favorite flavors and made just the right amount of spicy, the entire family will love this easy dinner solution that works even for busy weeknights.
My family loves this yummy Tater Tot Casserole, so I thought I’d try whipping up a Mexican food version, which is this Taco Tater Tot Casserole recipe. I’m always down for an easy casserole recipe and an easy dinner recipe.
Related: Easy Kids Pasta Salad
How to Make Taco Tater Tot Casserole
When it comes to easy recipes, this is the best! You only need six ingredients to make it, and then any toppings that you’d normally put on your tacos.
My kids adore this easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole. The first time I made it, they each gave it two thumbs up!
This delicious tater tot taco dish is now our go-to comfort food on cold nights. It’s sure to warm you up, too. It doesn’t take much planning or prep work, and this tater taco casserole is so quick and easy that it’s perfect for a busy fall or winter night –where you’re juggling homework, soccer practice, and piano lessons.
You’ll definitely want to add this to your meal plan. It’s a simple easy weeknight meal that will make taco night beloved by the whole family.
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Ingredients Needed To Make This Delicious Tater Tot Taco Casserole:
- A pound of lean Ground Beef
- 1 Package Taco Seasoning
- 1 Can Corn
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1 Can Black Beans
- 3 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Bag Tater Tots
- Tomatoes, lettuce, black olives, and sour cream to garnish
Instructions To Make This Tater Tot Taco Casserole:
Step 1
Start by browning your ground beef (or ground turkey) in a medium pan or large skillet over medium heat to high heat.
Step 2
Once the meat is completely browned, mix in your taco seasoning and water and simmer for five minutes.
Tip: Make it healthier by pouring out the excess fat from the ground beef mixture into a container. Do this before adding seasoning. Or using a leaner beef is also a great option for the best taco tater tot casserole.
Step 3
Next, mix in your corn, 2 cups of cheese, and black beans before spreading into the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Step 4
Top with tater tots. This is the part my kids like the best. We’re combining two of their favorite things — tacos and tater tots.
Step 5
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Step 6
Top with lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, and sour cream. Optional toppings include jalapeños and avocados.
Recipe Notes:
Need some heat? Add some green chiles to the meat mixture. Want some more flavor? Try adding sliced green onion on top, just in a single layer.
If it is a little try you can add enchilada sauce to the bottom layer. To the taco meat layer.
For crispy tater tots keep the lettuce and tomatoes off until you’re ready to serve. The layer of tater tots should stay crispy none the less. Just a hot dish and fresh veggies can sometimes make things soggy. The melted cheese may protect them though.
How to Serve Taco Tater Tot Casserole
While most people cut up this crispy tater tot casserole and serve generous helpings on plates, you could also place this casserole in a soft tortilla or taco shell and eat it that way.
Regardless of how you eat it, serve this yummy dish with a fresh chopped salad or radish salad with feta cheese and you’ll have yourself a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Your whole family will love this meal with their favorite taco toppings. Gives taco Tuesday a delicious twist!
How to Make this Recipe a Gluten-Free Taco Tater Tot Hotdish
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free, too. Just substitute gluten-free hash browns (for tater tots) and use gluten-free taco seasoning. (McCormick makes a gluten-free taco seasoning mix.)
How To Store Your Taco Tater Tot Casserole
Once your food is cooled to room temperature you can add plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a lid to your baking dish. Or you can cut it up and store it in Tupperware or other airtight container.
Easy to Make this Casserole Ahead of Time
If prep time is hard to come by on weeknights, this casserole dish can be made ahead of time on the weekend and placed in the freezer.
For best results, be sure to defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Most Tuesdays, we used to eat out at our favorite Mexican restaurant, but now I just whip up this Mexican Tater Tot Casserole. Not only is it cheaper than eating out, but it’s healthier, too. My daughter enjoys helping me make it in the kitchen, which is an added bonus!
What’s your typical go-to comfort casserole dish?
Taco Tater Tot Casserole
Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a quick and easy recipe that your kids will love!
Ingredients
- A pound of Ground Beef
- 1 Package Taco Seasoning
- 1 Can Corn
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1 Can Black Beans
- 3 Cups Shredded Cheese
- 1 Bag Tater Tots
- Tomatoes, lettuce, black olives, and sour cream to garnish
Instructions
- Start by browning your ground beef (or ground turkey) in a medium pan over high heat.
- Once the meat is completely browned, mix in your taco seasoning and water and simmer for five minutes.
- Next, mix in your corn, 2 cups of cheese, and black beans before spreading into the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish.
- Top with tater tots.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, and sour cream. Optional toppings include jalapenos and avocados.
MORE EASY CASSEROLE RECIPES FROM KIDS ACTIVITIES BLOG
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How did your taco tater tot casserole recipe turn out? Was it a kid friendly casserole solution for your family?
You gotta defrost the tater tots or something because they don’t cook in 20 mins at 350. Maybe it’s on me for not reading the bag and just reading the recipe. Pretty terrible to have hungry kids and need to cook for another 10-15 mins because the first time it came out still frozen.
Hi! Thank you for your feedback, and I’m sorry that you had to cook it a bit longer!