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; 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, divided (16 ounces); 32 ounces frozen tater tots (2 pounds); Chopped black olives (for topping); Chopped green onions (for topping); Chopped lettuce (for topping); Chopped tomatoes (for topping); Sour cream (for serving); Guacamole (for serving); Pico de gallo (for serving)

Introduction

This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and melty cheese topped with crispy tater tots. It’s perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together, offering a fun twist on classic comfort food with vibrant Mexican flavors.

A large rectangular white baking dish is filled with a colorful layered dip. The bottom layer looks smooth and creamy with a reddish color, topped by a layer of shredded white cheese melting slightly. On top, there are evenly spread slices of black and green olives, small diced red tomatoes, and chopped green onions, all creating a fresh, bright mix of colors. Next to the dish, there is a small pile of triangle-shaped whole-grain chips placed on a white marbled surface. The scene looks ready to serve in a casual setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, divided (16 ounces)

32 ounces frozen tater tots (2 pounds)

Chopped black olives (optional, for topping)

Chopped green onions (optional, for topping)

Chopped lettuce (optional, for topping)

Chopped tomatoes (optional, for topping)

Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Guacamole (optional, for serving)

Pico de Gallo (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is translucent, about 5 to 6 minutes. 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 evaporates, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Stir in the salsa, rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, and another teaspoon of taco seasoning until well mixed.

Step 5: Transfer the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Sprinkle 2 ½ cups of the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the beef mixture.

Step 7: Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese in a single, even layer.

Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining 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, crispy, and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 10: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Broil for 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly—watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 11: Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as chopped black olives, green onions, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter protein alternative.

Swap out the black beans for pinto beans or omit beans for a simpler version.

Replace frozen tater tots with homemade roasted potatoes if preferred.

Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Can I freeze the Mexican Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and baking as usual.