Loaded Taco Tater Tot Casserole

Loaded Taco Tater Tot Casserole

If you’re craving comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist, look no further than this Loaded Taco Tater Tot Casserole. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold taco flavor in every bite. Layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, crispy tater tots, and fresh toppings come together in one sizzling-hot dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day. This casserole combines the satisfaction of tacos with the cozy appeal of a baked dish—easy to prepare and impossible to resist.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)

• 1/2 cup water

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• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained

• 1 cup corn kernels (optional)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

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• 1/4 cup diced fresh tomatoes

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

• Sour cream and salsa, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

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2. Cook the Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water, then stir in the drained Rotel and corn if using. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Assemble the Casserole:
   Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of cheese over the beef layer.

4. Add the Tater Tots:
   Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. You can place them neatly or scatter them depending on your preference.

5. Bake:
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

6. Top with Cheese and Bake Again:
   Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

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7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm with sour cream or salsa on the side.

Conclusion:
This Loaded Taco Tater Tot Casserole is everything you want in a comfort dish—cheesy, crispy, and bursting with flavor. It’s a creative way to enjoy taco night in a cozy, baked format that pleases both kids and adults. Customize it with black beans, jalapeños, or even a layer of refried beans for extra depth. However you serve it, this casserole is bound to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation!