Description
A comforting, hearty Tex-Mex casserole that combines crispy golden tater tots with a savory, seasoned ground beef filling and melted sharp cheddar cheese. This crowd-pleasing dish transforms simple pantry staples into a robust meal that bridges the gap between taco night and warm comfort food, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Ingredients
1 lb Ground Beef (85/15 lean ratio)
32 oz Frozen Tater Tots
1 packet Taco Seasoning
2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 can (10 oz) Diced Tomatoes or Rotel
1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
1/4 cup Whole Milk
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through.
Drain any excess grease thoroughly from the skillet.
Stir in the taco seasoning, milk, and diced tomatoes until the meat is well combined and coated.
Spread the meat mixture evenly into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle one cup of cheddar cheese directly over the meat base.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a tight, uniform layer covering the entire top.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Add the remaining cup of cheese over the top of the tots during the final five minutes of baking.
Notes
Ensure tater tots remain completely frozen until the moment they go into the oven for the best texture. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream or guacamole before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 75mg