Name: Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean); ½ cup yellow onion, chopped; 15 ounces black beans (1 can), rinsed and drained; 15 ounces fire roasted corn (1 can), drained; Chopped black olives (for topping); Chopped green onions (for topping); Chopped lettuce (for topping); Chopped tomatoes (for topping); 4 teaspoons taco seasoning (divided); 1 cup chunky salsa; Sour cream (for serving); Guacamole (for serving); Pico de gallo (for serving); 4 cups Mexican cheese blend (16 ounces, divided); 32 ounces frozen tater tots (2 pounds)

Introduction

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, all topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
½ cup yellow onion, chopped
4 teaspoons taco seasoning, divided
1 cup chunky salsa
15 ounces black beans (1 can), rinsed and drained
15 ounces fire roasted corn (1 can), drained
4 cups Mexican cheese blend (16 ounces), divided
32 ounces frozen tater tots (2 pounds)
Chopped black olives, for topping
Chopped green onions, for topping
Chopped lettuce, for serving
Chopped tomatoes, for serving
Sour cream, for serving
Guacamole, for serving
Pico de gallo, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 6 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning and 3 tablespoons of water to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook until the liquid has evaporated, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Stir in the salsa, rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, and 1 more teaspoon of taco seasoning until everything is well mixed.
Step 5: Transfer the beef mixture evenly to the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Sprinkle 2 ½ cups of the Mexican cheese blend over the beef layer.
Step 7: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese.
Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning evenly over the tater tots.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling.
Step 10: Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Place under the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 11: Serve hot and top with chopped black olives, green onions, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo as desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a diced jalapeño pepper to the beef mixture when cooking.
Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
Try substituting cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese if you prefer a different flavor.
To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and add extra beans or veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. For a crispier topping, uncover during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if chilled.

Can I freeze leftover Mexican Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and melted Mexican cheese layered under crispy baked tater tots. Topped with fresh garnishes like black olives, green onions, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo, it’s a perfect crowd-pleaser combining Tex-Mex flavors with comforting textures.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Vegetables

1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean)
½ cup yellow onion, chopped
15 ounces black beans (1 can), rinsed and drained
15 ounces fire roasted corn (1 can), drained
Chopped black olives (for topping)
Chopped green onions (for topping)
Chopped lettuce (for topping)
Chopped tomatoes (for topping)

Seasonings & Sauces

4 teaspoons taco seasoning (divided)
1 cup chunky salsa
Sour cream (for serving)
Guacamole (for serving)
Pico de gallo (for serving)

Cheese & Frozen Foods

4 cups Mexican cheese blend (16 ounces, divided)
32 ounces frozen tater tots (2 pounds)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for layering the casserole.
Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onion becomes translucent. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Season the Beef Mixture: Add 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning and 3 tablespoons of water to the beef mixture. Stir well and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the liquid evaporates, allowing the flavors to concentrate.
Add Salsa, Beans, and Corn: Stir in the chunky salsa, rinsed and drained black beans, drained fire roasted corn, and an additional teaspoon of taco seasoning to the skillet. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Layer the Beef Mixture: Transfer the prepared beef and vegetable mixture to the sprayed baking dish, spreading it into an even layer for the base of your casserole.
Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 2 ½ cups of the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the beef mixture to add a rich, melty layer.
Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese layer, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
Season the Tots: Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning evenly over the tater tots to enhance their flavor during baking.
Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown, crispy on top, and the casserole is bubbling hot in the center.
Add Final Cheese and Broil: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Broil for 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
Serve with Toppings: Serve the casserole hot, topped with your preferred garnishes such as chopped black olives, green onions, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo for extra flavor and freshness.