Description

This bold and comforting Mexican Tater Tot Casserole combines spiced ground beef, creamy beans, tangy tomatoes, and golden crispy tater tots under a blanket of melty cheese. It’s a one-dish wonder packed with bold flavor and irresistible crunch. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you want a filling, fun, and delicious dinner that makes everyone at the table happy. You can prep it ahead, freeze it, or customize it with your favorite ingredients—this casserole is as versatile as it is crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup frozen corn
½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 bag (28–32 oz) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a skillet, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Let simmer 2–3 minutes.
Add beans, corn, and tomatoes. Simmer 5 minutes.
Turn off heat and stir in sour cream.
Spread beef mixture into a greased 9×13 dish. Sprinkle half the cheese over the top.
Arrange tater tots in a single layer over cheese.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until tots are crispy.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the tots and bake an additional 5 minutes.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.

Notes

For crispier tots, bake them on a sheet tray first, then transfer to the casserole.
Use full-fat cheese for the best melt and flavor.
You can double this recipe and freeze half before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 525
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 870mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg