Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Our yummy Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is an easy and hearty meal that your whole family will love! It’s a tater tot taco bake with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn and green chiles in red enchilada sauce, all under a layer of golden tater tots. You might know it as a Tex-Mex or Southwest tater tot casserole.

Oh, did I mention it's also loaded with cheese? Yep. We definitely have the cheese component covered!

Why We Love This Tater Tot Taco Casserole

There's just something about adding tater tots to a dish that makes it especially fun for the kids. I can remember the first time I told the kids that I'd be making tater tot casserole for dinner.

My kids are teenagers now but they still love this meal. Casserole recipes are always a good choice when it comes to feeding my crew, and this kid-friendly casserole is a winner for your picky eaters.

Even better than that, my Mexican tater tot casserole recipe is super quick to make. With one large skillet and one baking dish, it's one of my go-to weeknight dinners for busy nights when I don't want to spend a whole lot of extra time in the kitchen.

It seems like easy casserole recipes like this one have sort of slipped out of fashion, but I'm still a fan of meals that you can throw together quickly and satisfy the whole family.

RELATED: Speaking of all things CHEESY, don't miss my amazing Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup.

The one thing that makes a plate of my Mexican tater tot casserole even better is a big dollop of sour cream on top and some fresh cilantro. Oh my goodness, SO GOOD!

Ingredients for Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Most of these simple ingredients come from cans and the freezer, so it's easy to keep everything on hand for taco night.

• Ground beef: I use a pound of ground beef that's 85/15 for good flavor without too much grease.
• Onion: A little diced onion cooks right along with the beef.
• Taco seasoning: One 1-ounce packet seasons the whole filling, so there's no measuring a bunch of spices.
• Green chiles: A small can of diced green chiles adds mild flavor.
• Black beans: Rinse and drain them first so the filling doesn't get cloudy or too salty.
• Frozen corn: Corn adds a little sweetness, and it goes straight into the skillet with no thawing needed.
• Red enchilada sauce: It's what gives the beef mixture its enchilada flavor.
• Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese: I shred mine off the block. Part of it gets stirred into the filling, and the rest melts on top.
• Frozen tater tots: Any brand works.
• Toppings: Cilantro and sour cream are optional, but we never skip them.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Step one: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Step two: Add the ground beef and the onion to a 12-inch skillet. Brown the meat until it is thoroughly cooked. Drain off the excess fat and return the meat to the skillet.

Step three: Add the taco seasoning packet, green chiles, black beans, frozen corn and enchilada sauce to the meat and onion. Stir until combined, then cook over medium heat for another 8 to 10 minutes.

Step four: Add 2 cups of the shredded cheese to the meat mixture and stir until blended. Pour it into the baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step five: Place the frozen tater tots evenly over the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

Step six: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top. Bake another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Garnish with cilantro and top with sour cream.

Substitutions and Variations

• Ground turkey: Swap in ground turkey or lean ground beef for a lighter version. Since it's leaner, you may not need to drain much fat.
• Leftover taco meat: Looking for leftover taco meat ideas? Use it in place of the browned beef and taco seasoning. I haven't tested it this way, so taste the filling before adding more seasoning.
• Rotel: Stir in a drained can of Rotel with the beans for extra tomatoes and a little kick.
• Cheese: A bagged Mexican cheese blend works if you're short on time, though cheese shredded off the block melts a little smoother.
• Beans: Pinto beans also work in place of black beans.
• Bell peppers: Add a diced bell pepper to the skillet with the onion.

Tips for the Best Mexican Tater Tot Hotdish

• Drain the beef well: Extra grease makes the filling heavy and keeps the tots from crisping.
• Use a single layer of tots: Spreading them out in one layer lets the heat reach each one, so they bake up golden brown and crispy.
• Let it rest: A few minutes out of the oven helps each scoop hold together on the plate.
• Taking it to a potluck: A full 9x13 pan feeds a crowd, which makes it great for potlucks and game day. To keep it warm on the way, bake it right before you leave, cover it and pack it in an insulated carrier. Keep it hot at 140°F or above, and don't let it sit out more than 2 hours.

What to Serve with Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

A crunchy, fresh side balances all that cheese. When I need sides for tater tot casserole, my Cowboy Caviar is a favorite, and a sweet Jiffy Corn Casserole is perfect for a bigger meal. Baked Tortilla Strips with salsa make a fun, kid-friendly side, or keep it simple with a green salad. Set out favorite taco toppings too, like pico de gallo, diced avocado, green onions, black olives and sliced jalapeños, so everyone can build their own plate.

How to Make Ahead, Store and Freeze

Make Ahead: Make the filling, spread it in the baking dish, cover it and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. Then, when you're ready, add the frozen tots and bake. A cold dish may need a few extra minutes, so make sure it's hot all the way through.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

Freezer: Yes, you can freeze tater tot casserole, including leftovers. Wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 to 3 months for the best quality. It stays safe longer at 0°F, but the tots get softer over time. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating: Cover with aluminum foil and warm it in a 350 degree oven until it reaches 165°F, then uncover it for the last few minutes to help the tots crisp back up. The microwave works for a single serving, but the tots will be soft. Crispy tater tots are essential!

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole FAQs

Do you thaw tater tots before putting them on a casserole?

No. Put them on frozen, the same way the package says to bake them. Otherwise, thawed tots soak up the sauce and turn soft instead of crispy. Love frozen potatoes? Try my Crock Pot Potato Soup with Hash Browns.

Is Mexican tater tot casserole spicy?

Not very. With mild green chiles and mild enchilada sauce, it's kid-friendly. If your family likes a higher spice level, use hot green chiles or a spicy taco seasoning, or add sliced jalapeños on top.

Can I make it without enchilada sauce?

I always make it with red enchilada sauce, since it's what keeps the filling saucy under the tots. If you try a swap like salsa, expect a chunkier, drier filling.

Hotdish vs. Casserole: What's the Difference?

They're basically the same thing. "Hotdish" is what folks in Minnesota and nearby parts of the upper Midwest call a baked casserole, and tater tot hotdish is one of the most famous Minnesota hotdish recipes. This one is a taco hot dish with Mexican flavors.

This simple Mexican tater tot casserole is cheesy comfort food that never lasts long at our house. Are you a fan of easy family dinner recipes made with ground beef? If so, don't miss my famous Old Fashioned Goulash! :)

More Mexican Inspired Recipes

• Cowboy Caviar
• Instant Pot Taco Soup
• Taco Spaghetti
• Taco Rice
• Dorito Casserole

Easy Casserole Recipes to Try Next

• Chicken Cobbler
• Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
• John Wayne Casserole
• Stuffed Cabbage Casserole