Cheesy Tater Tot Taco Casserole
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with this Cheesy Tater Tot Taco Casserole. Inspired by the savory goodness of chili cheese fries, this dish combines seasoned ground beef with creamy cheddar cheese soup, tangy sour cream, and a touch of taco seasoning, all perfectly nestled beneath a crunchy layer of tater tots. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings. The reduced milk makes for a thicker, richer sauce that clings to each ingredient beautifully!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean Ground Beef
3/4 lb (browned and drained)
Taco Seasoning
1 (1 ounce) package (mixed into beef)
Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (undiluted)
2% Low-Fat Milk
1/3 cup (mix with soup and beef)
Light Sour Cream
3 tablespoons (mixed into beef)
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup (for topping (optional))
Frozen Tater Tots
12-16 ounces (roughly 45 tots) (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8x8-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until it's no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3
Stir in the taco seasoning, undiluted cheddar cheese soup, low-fat milk, and light sour cream into the cooked beef. Mix until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
4
Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5
Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single layer. This will create a wonderfully crispy topping!
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7
For the final touch, switch your oven setting to broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the tots are perfectly crispy and lightly browned. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
8
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra sour cream or cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Tater Tot Taco Casserole?
It is a hearty dish that combines taco-seasoned ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy layer of tater tots.
What are the main ingredients for this casserole?
The main ingredients include lean ground beef, taco seasoning, condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, sour cream, and frozen tater tots.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How do I prepare the ground beef?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, then drain any excess grease.
What kind of soup is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for one 10.75-ounce can of undiluted condensed cheddar cheese soup.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots?
No, you should use frozen tater tots for the best crispy results.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, then broil for an additional 5 minutes.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8x8-inch glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many tater tots are needed for the topping?
You will need approximately 12 to 16 ounces of frozen tater tots, which is roughly 45 pieces.
Why do I need to broil the casserole at the end?
Broiling helps the tater tots achieve a perfectly golden brown and extra crispy texture.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner alternative.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
The recipe uses a reduced amount of milk (1/3 cup) specifically to ensure a thicker, richer sauce.
Can I add extra cheese to this recipe?
Yes, you can add 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese as an optional topping.
Is the sour cream necessary?
The sour cream adds a tangy flavor and contributes to the creaminess of the beef mixture.
Can I use a different type of milk?
While 2% milk is suggested, you can use whole milk or even heavy cream for added richness.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly spray the dish with cooking spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
What can I serve as a garnish?
You can garnish with extra sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, or diced tomatoes.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and assemble with the tots just before baking.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Absolutely, ingredients like corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers make great additions.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on your taco seasoning; use a mild version for a family-friendly meal.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F to help the tater tots regain some of their original crispiness.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it either before baking or as cooked leftovers.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes, homemade taco seasoning can be used in place of a store-bought package.
What if I don't have a broiler?
If you don't have a broiler, simply bake the casserole for a few extra minutes until the tots are brown.
Why should I drain the beef?
Draining the grease prevents the casserole from becoming overly oily and soggy.
Can I use tater crowns instead of tots?
Yes, tater crowns or rounds will work just as well as traditional tater tots.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it's a very popular dish with children due to the cheese and tater tot components.
How do I prevent the tots from burning?
Keep a close eye on the dish during the 5-minute broiling stage, as the high heat can burn them quickly.
Can I use condensed nacho cheese soup instead?
Yes, using nacho cheese soup can add an extra kick of flavor and spice to the base.