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Taco Tater Tot Casserole

Taco Tater Tot Casserole
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Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dish combining seasoned ground beef, crispy tater tots, and melty shredded cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole layers flavorful taco ingredients and a golden, crispy topping for a delicious one-dish meal that families will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 2 tbsp water

Base Layers

  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (canned)

Cheese Layer

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Taco Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Let the mixture simmer until well combined and fragrant.
  2. Layer the Base: Grease a baking dish and spread an even layer of refried beans on the bottom. Spoon the seasoned taco meat evenly over the beans, then layer the diced tomatoes with green chilies on top.
  3. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the meat and tomato layers, ensuring full coverage for a delicious melty layer.
  4. Top With Tater Tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese. This will become crispy during baking, providing a perfect textural contrast.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh homemade taco seasoning for brighter flavor and to control sodium.
  • Spread tater tots in a single layer for the best crispiness.
  • Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent sogginess.
  • Choose sharp cheddar for bolder flavor or mild cheese blends for kid-friendly taste.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help with clean slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Taco Tater Tot Casserole, taco casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/taco-tater-tot-casserole/