Taco Tater Tot Casserole Is As Good As It Sounds

Name: Taco Tater Tot Casserole Is As Good As It Sounds
Total time: 54 min
Ingredients: 2 lb. frozen tater tots; 1 Tbsp. olive oil; 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.) package frozen corn kernels; 1 (1-oz.) package taco seasoning; 8 oz. shredded Colby Jack cheese; 3/4 cup chopped tomato; 1/2 cup chopped scallions; 1 medium avocado, chopped

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Talk about comfort food! This taco tater tot casserole tastes like a cross between beef enchiladas and totchos. The filling is saucy and savory, with nice little crisp bursts from the corn. When you scoop under the hearty tots, you unveil a layer of gooey cheese. The fresh topping of avocado, tomato, and scallions helps prevent the casserole from tasting too heavy and rich. While you brown the beef mixture and prepare the filling, the tots get a jump-start on cooking; this helps them stay a little crispier in the baked casserole. Feel free to swap out the ground beef for chicken or turkey. The spices will warm up whatever meat you prefer.

By

Ann Taylor Pittman

Published on June 16, 2024

Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole — Photo:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Active Time:

14 mins

Total Time:

54 mins

Servings:

8

Ingredients

1 (32. oz) pkg. frozen tater tots
1 Tbsp. olive oil
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
8 oz. shredded Colby Jack cheese
3/4 cup chopped tomato
1/2 cup chopped scallions
1 medium avocado, chopped

Directions

Bake tots:

Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Arrange tater tots on pan. Bake at 450°F for 12 minutes. Immediately reduce oven temperature to 375°F.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Brown beef and soften vegetables:

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion, bell pepper, and beef; cook until beef is browned and vegetables are softened, 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently to crumble beef. Stir in beans, enchilada sauce, frozen corn, and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil; cook until corn thaws and mixture is thoroughly heated, 3 to 4 minutes.
Assemble casserole and bake:

Spoon beef mixture into a 13 x 9–inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheese evenly over beef mixture. Arrange parcooked tater tots over cheese.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bake, uncovered, at 375°F until filling is bubbly and tater tots are browned and crisp, about 40 minutes.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Make topping:

Meanwhile, combine tomato, scallions, and avocado in a medium bowl.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Top casserole with tomato mixture.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Taco Tater Tot Casserole Is As Good As It Sounds

Ingredients

Directions

Bake tots:

Brown beef and soften vegetables:

Assemble casserole and bake:

Make topping:

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