Description
Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering masterpiece that perfectly blends the bold flavors of tacos with the irresistible crunch of tater tots. Introducing the Loaded Taco Tater Tot Casserole – a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. This casserole combines ground beef or turkey, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and a blend of gooey cheeses, all nestled between layers of crispy tater tots. It’s a delightful fusion of Tex-Mex cuisine and classic comfort food that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the casserole bakes to perfection.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning, following the package instructions.
- Layer the Tater Tots: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the frozen tater tots in an even layer on the bottom.
- Add the Filling: On top of the tater tots, layer the cooked taco-seasoned meat, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
- Top with More Tater Tots: Arrange the remaining tater tots in an even layer on top of the cheese and filling.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is baked to your liking, serve it hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños (if desired), and fresh cilantro.
Notes
The beauty of this casserole lies in its perfectly balanced blend of ingredients, offering endless possibilities for customization. Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities or swap out elements to suit your individual taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg