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You will need the following items to make Loaded Taco Tater Tot Casserole: - 1 lb ground beef (or plant-based substitute) - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen) - 1 large red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned with juices) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1 bag (32 oz) tater tots - 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Jalapeño slices (optional) When measuring your ingredients, precision helps create the best dish. Use a scale for the ground beef if you have one. For the canned items, rinse the black beans well before adding. This step removes excess salt. The red bell pepper adds color and sweetness. Dice it into small pieces for even cooking. You can also use frozen corn if you prefer. Cheddar cheese gives a rich taste. Shred it yourself for better melting. For a creamy finish, sour cream adds tang. The tater tots will form a crispy top layer, so spread them evenly. Feel free to switch up the garnishes based on your taste. Green onions add a fresh crunch. Cilantro gives a bright flavor. For a spicy kick, jalapeño slices work well. If you want to keep it simple, just skip the garnishes. You can swap the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based option. If you want more veggies, add diced zucchini or mushrooms. Just remember, keep it fun and tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need ground beef, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, tater tots, and garnishes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Brown it well, then drain any extra fat. This step helps keep your casserole from being greasy. Next, add the taco seasoning to the beef. Mix it well, then add the black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, and tomatoes. Cook this mixture for 5-7 minutes. You want the bell pepper to soften and the flavors to combine nicely. Once the beef and veggie mix is ready, grab a large 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. This base will hold all the flavors together. Layer the tater tots on top. Make sure they are in a single, even layer. This helps them crisp up nicely. Now, place the dish in the oven. Bake it for 25-30 minutes. You want the tater tots to turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary in heat. After 25-30 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven. Now it's time for cheese! Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes. This will melt the cheese and make it bubbly. Once done, remove the casserole and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle sour cream over the top. Finish by garnishing with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño slices if you like some heat. Serve it warm, and enjoy every bite of your loaded taco tater tot casserole! To get the best texture, focus on the tater tots. Spread them in a single layer over the beef. This helps them crisp up nicely. Bake them until they turn golden brown. Aim for about 25-30 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Add cheese in the last five minutes. This way, it melts perfectly over the crispy tots. One common mistake is overcrowding the pan. If you pack too much beef or toppings, the casserole can get soggy. Make sure to drain the beans and corn well. Excess moisture can ruin the texture. Also, watch the cooking time. Overbaking can lead to burnt edges, while underbaking can leave tater tots mushy. Feel free to get creative with the flavors. You can swap ground beef for turkey or a plant-based option. Add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for more nutrition. Want more spice? Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a cheesy twist, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. The goal is to make it your own! Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: If using ground beef, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for optimal safety and flavor. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like avocado or salsa to enhance the flavor profile of your casserole. Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian option without sacrificing taste. Leftover Friendly: This casserole is perfect for leftovers; simply reheat it in the oven or microwave for a quick meal! {{image_2}} You can easily make this casserole meat-free. Swap the ground beef for a plant-based option like lentils or a veggie crumble. Use the same taco seasoning for that bold flavor. You can add more beans or some diced mushrooms for added texture. Bell peppers and corn will add sweetness and crunch. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. To make this dish gluten-free, choose a gluten-free taco seasoning. Many brands offer this option now. Also, confirm that your tater tots are gluten-free. Some brands use wheat flour, so check the label. You can still enjoy all the delicious toppings. Use gluten-free sour cream and cheese for a creamy finish. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. Instead of black beans, try pinto beans or chickpeas. If you prefer a milder taste, use less jalapeño or skip it altogether. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese and a dairy-free sour cream. You can use zucchini or sweet potatoes in place of tater tots for a healthier spin. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool down first. Use an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. When you're ready to eat, take the casserole from the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil. Heat it for 20-25 minutes. This keeps the top crispy. Check that it is warm all the way through. If you want to freeze it, do so before baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then bake it as per the recipe instructions. Enjoy your tasty meal later! It takes about 15 minutes to prep. After that, you need 25 to 30 minutes for baking. So, the total time is around 1 hour. This includes cooking the meat and mixing in the tasty ingredients. Yes, you can! Make the beef mixture and layer it with tater tots. Cover it and keep it in the fridge. This way, you save time when you are ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes for baking if it's cold from the fridge. You can serve this casserole with a fresh salad. Some tortilla chips and salsa also make great sides. Don't forget to add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños or more sour cream. These add flavor and fun to your meal! This article covered everything you need for Loaded Taco Tater Tot Casserole. We looked at the full list of ingredients, their measurements, and optional garnishes. You learned the step-by-step prep, cooking process, and baking tips. We also shared ways to customize flavors, avoid mistakes, and suggested dietary variations. Lastly, we discussed how to store, reheat, and freeze leftovers. Now, get ready to make your own delicious casserole! Enjoy every bite!

Loaded Taco Tater Tot Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring ground beef, black beans, corn, and tater tots, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or plant-based substitute)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned with juices)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 bag (32 oz) tater tots
  • 3 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste jalapeño slices (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and diced tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the bell pepper to soften.
  • In a large 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
  • Layer the tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single, even layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle sour cream over the top and garnish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired.
  • Serve warm and enjoy your loaded taco tater tot casserole!

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, taco, tater tots