Taco Tater Tot Casserole Is As Good As It Sounds

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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.

Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Active Time:
14 mins
Total Time:
54 mins
Servings:
8
Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole ingredients

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

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

  1. 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.

    Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole par-baking the tater tots

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  2. 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.

    Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole cooking the filling for the casserole
  3. 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.

    Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole assembled and ready to bake

    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.

    Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole after baking

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  4. Make topping:

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

    Southern Living Tater Tot Casserole mixing the topping together

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Top casserole with tomato mixture.

    Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole with topping ready to serve

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

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