Description
This Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese soup, tangy sour cream, and crispy tater tots. Baked to perfection with melted cheddar on top, it’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained)
- â…“ cup water
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup (undiluted)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 (32 ounce) package frozen tater tots (unthawed)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside to get ready for the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the lean ground beef and cook it thoroughly, stirring often to break up the meat. Once browned, drain off excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning, undrained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, and â…“ cup water to the cooked beef. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In an extra-large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and the unthawed tater tots. Mix these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease in the casserole.
- Do not thaw tater tots before mixing; they will crisp up nicely while baking.
- For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or extra taco seasoning.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and baked before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
