Introduction
Transform humble tater tots and your favorite taco fixings into a seriously craveable casserole! This recipe is all about easy weeknight dinners that the whole family will gobble up. Get ready for cheesy, crunchy, and totally satisfying comfort food, made with ingredients you probably already have.
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s a total crowd-pleaser, it’s super easy to make (even on busy weeknights!), and it’s incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand and what your family loves. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheesy, crunchy casserole?
Key Ingredients
🥔 2 lbs frozen tater tots
🌮 1 lb ground beef
🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
🌶️ 1 packet taco seasoning
🥫 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
🥛 1 cup milk
🌶️ 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3️⃣ Add the chopped onion and jalapeño (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5️⃣ Spread half of the tater tots in the prepared baking dish.
6️⃣ Pour the taco meat mixture evenly over the tater tots.
7️⃣ Top with the remaining tater tots.
8️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
9️⃣ Pour the cheese mixture evenly over the top layer of tater tots.
🔟 Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
1️⃣1️⃣ Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Handy Tips
- Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for even cooking and browning.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of your favorite taco seasoning on top of the cheese before baking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—if you need to, use two smaller dishes to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Heat Control
Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures the tater tots become perfectly golden brown and crispy while the cheese melts beautifully. Lowering the temperature might result in undercooked tots, while a higher temperature could burn them before the cheese melts.
Crunch Factor
The crunch comes from the crispy tater tots, creating a delightful contrast with the soft, cheesy filling. For extra crunch, you could even lightly spray the top with cooking spray before baking.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked crumbled taco meat.
- Add a layer of refried beans under the tater tots for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Use different cheeses! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all be delicious.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This casserole is perfect for potlucks or game-day gatherings! Transport it in your favorite 9×13 inch dish covered with foil, or transfer it to a disposable aluminum pan for easy cleanup.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Supreme: Add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the meat mixture for a smoky, spicy kick.
🌟 Black Bean Fiesta: Incorporate a can of drained and rinsed black beans along with the ground beef for extra protein and flavor.
🌟 Cheesy Jalapeño Popper: Top with crumbled bacon and sliced jalapeños before baking for a savory twist.
🌟 Supreme Loaded Taco Bar: Serve with all your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
Troubleshooting
- Tater tots are soggy: Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, and don’t overcrowd your baking dish. You may also want to pre-bake the tater tots for about 10 minutes before adding the meat mixture to crisp them up more.
- Cheese is not melted: Make sure you’re using a good quality shredded cheese and stir well to melt evenly. If necessary, add a tablespoon or two of milk to the cheese mixture to help it melt.
- Casserole is too dry: A little extra milk or sour cream added to the cheese mixture can help moisten the casserole.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of tater tots? Yes, you can experiment with different brands and flavors of tater tots.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Store the assembled casserole (unbaked) in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Ensure it’s completely thawed before baking.
Conclusion
This Loaded Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a guaranteed family favorite! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week. We hope you enjoy this recipe. Share your creations with us on social media! Happy cooking!