Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing (and kid-friendly!) dinner that feels like comfort food with a twist? This Taco Tot Casserole is just the thing!
It combines all the flavors of taco night with the crispy, golden goodness of tater tots. What’s not to love?
This recipe is quick to prep, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Serve it for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Either way, this cheesy, taco-inspired casserole is sure to disappear fast!
Taco Tot Casserole
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20-25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients for Taco Tot Casserole
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup salsa (any kind)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I used a combination of Cheddar, Colby jack and Monterey Jack cheese)
How to Make Taco Tot Casserole Step by Step
Preheat your oven to 425
Lightly spray baking dish with olive oil non stick spray
Add all tots to the pan and bake for ten mins
Remove and set aside.
Brown your ground beef and drain
Add in taco seasoning, 1/3 cup water and 1 cup of salsa.
Mix until well combined.
Remove half the tots from the pan, leaving one row to cover the bottom of the pan.
Top with the meat mixture
Add half of the cheese to the top
Add the rest of the tots to the top.
Top with the remaining cup of cheese.
Cook for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and tots are cooked through.
PRO TIP: Partially cooking the tots helps them to retain their crispiness under the weight of meat sauce.
This Taco Tot Casserole is one of those go-to dinners that’s always a hit. It’s hearty, customizable, and comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what your family thought of it! Leave a comment, give it some stars on the recipe card or tag me on Facebook at @creativecynchronicity or Instagram @creativecynchro.
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Taco Tot Casserole
Taco Tot Casserole is a fun and easy dinner idea that combines crispy tater tots with seasoned ground beef, salsa, and melted cheese. A comforting, taco-inspired bake the whole family will love — ready in just 35 minutes!
Ingredients
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup salsa any kind
- 2 cups shredded cheese I used a combination of Cheddar, Colby jack and Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 425
-
Lightly spray baking dish with Olive Oil non stick spray
-
Add all tots to the pan and bake for ten mins
-
Remove and set aside.
-
Brown your ground beef and drain
-
Add in taco seasoning, 1/3 cup water and 1 cup of salsa.
-
Mix until well combined.
-
Remove half the tots from the pan, leaving one row to cover the bottom of the pan.
-
Top with the meat mixtures
-
Add half of the cheese to the top
-
Add the rest of the tots to the top.
-
Top with the remaining cup of cheese.
-
Cook for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and tots are cooked through.
Recipe Notes
Partially cooking the tots helps them to retain their crispiness under the weight of meat sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Taco Tot Casserole Success
Can I make Taco Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cook time.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Let the casserole cool completely, then store portions in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture. Find the best tips for freezing and reheating casseroles here.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well and still pack lots of flavor with the taco seasoning and salsa.
Craving more easy dinner ideas? Be sure to check out my the recipes below for more delicious inspiration!
- Mom’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Broccoli and Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Neapolitan Layered Pasta Bake
- One Pan Zesty Pork Chops and Rice Recipe
- Loaded Chicken Casserole
- My Mom’s Simple Chili Recipe
- 5-Ingredient Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
- 30 Minute Sheet Pan Beef Fajitas
- Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Easy Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
- My Sister Barb’s Applesauce Meatloaf Recipe
- Easy Pierogi Lasagna Casserole Recipe
- Slow Cooker Apple Bacon Pork Chops Recipe
Cheesy, crispy, and packed with taco flavor — this Taco Tot Casserole is a family dinner win! Pin now and save it for your next taco night twist.
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