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Tater Tot Taco Casserole

Tater tot taco casserole layers seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and salsa beneath a crisp topping of golden tater tots. Baked in a 9x13-inch dish and finished with melted cheddar, it makes an easy, hearty dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Resting 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 22 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 yellow onion medium, diced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 0.67 cup water
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15.25 oz) whole kernel corn drained
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 package (32 oz) tater tots frozen
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 1 12-inch skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. Cook the ground beef and onion in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, breaking up the beef, until the beef is browned and reaches 160°F and the onion is softened.
  4. Drain excess fat from the beef mixture.
  5. Stir the taco seasoning and water into the beef mixture and simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in the black beans, corn, and salsa.
  7. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the beef mixture.
  9. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the tater tots are deep golden and the filling is bubbling.
  10. Sprinkle the cheddar evenly over the top.
  11. Bake for 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
  12. Rest the casserole for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For crispier tater tots, arrange them in a single even layer. Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days; freeze for up to 3 months. Ground turkey can replace the ground beef for a leaner variation.