Tater Taco Casserole

How to make Tater Taco Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup yellow onion peeled and chopped

8 ounces tomato sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon pepper

32 ounces frozen tater tots (1 package)

2 cups cheddar cheese shredded

Toppings

Green onion thinly sliced

Tomato diced

Canned black olives sliced and drained

Red onion peeled and diced

Sour cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until meat browned and onions have softened, about 8 minutes.

Add tomato sauce salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes.

Pour beef mixture into a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish. Top with tater tots, being sure to spread them out into a single layer.

Bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle cheddar cheese all over the tater tots.

Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. The casserole is done when the tots are crispy, cheese is melted, and filling is bubbling.

Remove from oven and let cool 10 mins. Top with green onion, tomatoes, olives, and red onion. Serve warm.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 8 SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Yes, you can replace the frozen tater tots with fresh potatoes. Dice them into small pieces, parboil them until slightly tender, then add them to the dish in place of the tater tots.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

You could make this casserole healthier by using lean ground beef or a plant-based meat substitute, reducing the amount of cheese, or adding additional vegetables to the beef mixture such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

How should I store leftover Tater Taco Casserole?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat servings in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer.

Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can partially prepare the casserole ahead of time.

You can cook the ground beef and onions, prepare the beef mixture with seasonings, and layer the tater tots in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate.

When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the ingredients will be cold from the refrigerator.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! The toppings listed in the recipe are just suggestions.

Feel free to get creative and add toppings that you and your family enjoy, such as diced avocado, jalapenos, chopped cilantro, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! While cheddar cheese is commonly used in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.

Just keep in mind that melting properties may vary slightly.

Can I make this casserole spicy or less spicy?

Absolutely. The spice level in the casserole comes from the seasonings and toppings.

To make it spicier, you can increase the amount of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and jalapenos.

To make it milder, reduce or omit these ingredients.

Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.