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Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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3.9 from 10 reviews

This Taco Tater Tot Casserole combines crispy tater tots with a flavorful beef and vegetable taco filling, topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and a fresh tomato-avocado scallion mixture. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make casserole perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

Tater Tots

  • 1 (32 oz) pkg. frozen tater tots
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil

Beef and Vegetable Mixture

  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 lb. ground sirloin
  • 1 (15.5 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can red enchilada sauce (such as Hatch)
  • 1 (10 oz) pkg. frozen corn kernels
  • 1 (1 oz) pkg. taco seasoning

Toppings

  • 8 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 3/4 cup chopped tomato
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions
  • 1 medium avocado, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bake tots: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on the pan. Bake at 450°F for 12 minutes. Immediately reduce the oven temperature to 375°F after baking.
  2. Brown beef and soften vegetables: While the tots bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, red bell pepper, and ground sirloin. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently to crumble the beef and soften vegetables. Stir in rinsed pinto beans, red enchilada sauce, frozen corn, and taco seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until corn is thawed and mixture is heated through.
  3. Assemble casserole and bake: Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over the mixture. Arrange the partially cooked tater tots over the cheese layer. Bake uncovered at 375°F for about 40 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the tater tots are browned and crisp.
  4. Make topping: While the casserole bakes, combine chopped tomato, scallions, and chopped avocado in a medium bowl.
  5. Top casserole: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and top with the tomato, scallion, and avocado mixture. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Partially baking the tater tots before assembling helps achieve a crispy texture once baked in the casserole.
  • Use lean ground sirloin for a healthier option and better fat rendering.
  • Rinsing canned beans reduces sodium and improves texture.
  • Feel free to substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
  • For spicier flavor, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

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