Mexican Casserole with Tater Tots & Ground Beef: A Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish

If you love the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine and the comforting appeal of a casserole, then this Mexican Casserole with Tater Tots & Ground Beef is a must-try! 

This hearty and satisfying dish layers crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, cheese, and classic Mexican ingredients to create a meal the whole family will love. Whether you're making dinner for a busy weeknight or serving guests at a casual gathering, this easy casserole recipe is sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Mexican Casserole

• Easy to Make – With just a handful of ingredients and simple prep, this casserole is beginner-friendly.

• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, crispy, and savory combination of flavors.

• Customizable – You can adjust spice levels, swap out ingredients, or add extra toppings to make it your own.

• Great for Meal Prep – It stores well, making it a great option for leftovers or batch cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (8 oz) corn, drained

• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro

• Diced avocado

• Sliced jalapeños

• Extra shredded cheese

• Salsa or hot sauce

• Sour cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Add Seasonings & Ingredients

Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well, then add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.

• Dollop sour cream over the beef mixture and spread lightly.

• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.

• Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

Step 6: Add Cheese & Serve

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the tater tots and return to the oven for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Step 7: Garnish & Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Add optional toppings like cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, salsa, or sour cream. Serve warm and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it's starting cold.

2. Can I freeze Mexican Casserole with Tater Tots?

Absolutely! Once fully cooked, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes or until warmed through.

3. What other proteins can I use?

Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, ground chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even chorizo for a spicy kick.

4. How do I make it spicier?

If you love heat, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute for a delicious vegetarian version.

6. What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with:

• A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette

• Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice

• Guacamole and tortilla chips

7. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Casserole with Tater Tots & Ground Beef is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines the best of Mexican flavors with classic comfort food. With its crispy tater tots, cheesy goodness, and savory beef filling, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight or a potluck, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!

Happy cooking!