Hearty Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole (Print Version)

Whip up an Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole for a weeknight win! This dish is pure comfort, packed with flavor, and so simple to throw together.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: None

# Ingredients:

→ The Hearty Base

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean preferred)
02 - 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
03 - 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
04 - 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided)

→ Flavor Power-Ups

05 - 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
06 - 1 small onion, chopped

→ The Crispy Topping

07 - 2 lbs frozen tater tots

# Instructions:

01 - Grab your largest skillet and get it heating over medium-high. Crumble in that ground beef, then toss in your chopped onion. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned, no pink in sight, and those onions should be tender and translucent. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing, hon; savor it! I always make sure to get a good sear on the beef because that's where the flavor really builds, and yes, sometimes I splash a little grease on the stove. It's part of the process!
02 - Once your beef is cooked through, carefully drain off most of that excess grease. You don't want a greasy casserole, trust me on this. Now, stir in your taco seasoning. Give it a good minute to really coat the beef and onions, letting those spices bloom. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, juice and all! And don't forget the cream of chicken soup – that's your creamy binder. Stir it all together until it's well combined and looking like a beautiful, saucy mixture. This step is where the Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole really starts to come alive.
03 - Bring that delicious mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This gives all those flavors a chance to meld together. You'll smell the taco spices really intensifying! While it's simmering, taste it. Is it seasoned enough for you? A little extra salt or a pinch of pepper if you like, but the taco seasoning usually does a fantastic job. I always sneak a little taste here; it's a chef's perk, right?
04 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish; I usually give mine a quick spray with cooking non-stick spray, just in case. Pour your seasoned beef mixture into the bottom of the dish, spreading it out evenly. This is your foundation, your delicious taco base. Make sure it's a nice, even layer so everything cooks perfectly. Sometimes I get a little messy here, spilling a bit on the counter, but it's all good, it's just part of the fun of making an Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole!
05 - Sprinkle about 1 cup of your shredded Mexican cheese blend over the beef mixture. Don't be shy! Then, arrange those frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. You want them pretty close together so they form a nice, crispy crust. It's like building a delicious, potato-y roof! I always try to make sure they're mostly flat, not piled too high, for maximum crispiness. This is crucial for that golden-brown finish we're aiming for.
06 - Pop that dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You're looking for those tater tots to be golden brown and crispy, and the filling underneath should be bubbly and hot. Once they look perfectly golden, take the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Put it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just until that cheese is melted and gloriously bubbly. The smell at this stage? Pure heaven! That's how you know your Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole is ready!

# Notes:

01 - Always drain most of the beef fat, but leave a tiny bit for flavor; it makes a difference!
02 - Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness, not the microwave if you can help it.
03 - Try adding a little minced garlic with the onion for an extra flavor boost, I swear by it.
04 - Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for that perfect finishing touch.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - 9x13-inch baking dish

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 25g

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