This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious twist on a classic with layer after layer of amazing flavor – sure to be a new family favorite! Taco night just an upgrade with this easy casserole that features a delicious blend of seasoned ground beef, black beans, fire-roasted corn, salsa, Mexican cheese and of course, tater tots!
If you love making easy casseroles for busy weeknights, you’ll want to try these next: Tuna Casserole, Cheeseburger Casserole and this amazing Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Casserole!
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a flavor-packed casserole full of textures and Tex-Mex flavors that will leave everyone begging for seconds. Much like it’s inspiration and a total fan favorite, Tater Tot Casserole, this recipe comes together quickly with everyday ingredients – most of which you already have in your pantry!
This family-friendly casserole starts with a layer of seasoned ground beef and onion topped with your favorite salsa, followed by hearty black beans and smoky fire-roasted corn, melted cheese and a layer of tater tots tops the casserole and gives it it’s signature look. The golden layer of tater tots on top adds a crispy, crunchy texture that makes this flavorful dish impossible to resist!
Tater Tot Mexican Casserole
Hot from the oven is when it’s time to top the casserole with garnishes – my favorite part! I love that you can customize your casserole with a variety of fun toppings like sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and fresh lettuce and tomatoes.
A dollop of cool sour cream, fresh Pico De Gallo and a scoop of creamy guacamole complete this Tex-Mex masterpiece. This casserole is so good that I can guarantee you’ll want to add it to your weekly dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: This casserole is a flavor explosion! It’s like all your favorite taco night ingredients got together in a cheesy, delicious casserole.
- Easy Weeknight Win: Short on time but craving something delicious? This casserole is your new best friend! Prep it in less than 10 minutes, and the oven will do the rest of the work. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Let’s be honest; meals with tater tots are always a win! Everyone, from kids to adults, are sure to love this recipe. Plus, it’s easy to customize with fun toppings to satisfy everyone’s tastes!
How to Make Mexican Casserole
Whip up a taste of Tex-Mex in no time with this easy Mexican casserole! Simply prep the ingredients and bake until golden and bubbly. Dinner is ready! As always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Add ground beef and onion to a large skillet over medium heat and cook until beef is no longer pink and onion is translucent.
- Stir in taco seasoning and 3 tablespoons of water and cook until liquid has evaporated.
- Mix in salsa, beans, corn and another teaspoon of taco seasoning.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle Mexican cheese blend over the top of the beef mixture.
- Place the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese in a single, even layer.
- Sprinkle with a teaspoon of taco seasoning.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling in the middle.
- Top with the remaining cheese and broil for 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot topped with your choice of toppings.
Storage Information
Refrigerator: This is best for leftovers you plan to eat within a few days. Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Freezer: For a long-term storage option, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking.
- Freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra baking time if needed to ensure it heats through completely.
- Freeze after baking: Let the baked casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground beef: You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Yellow onion: White, sweet, or red onion can also be used if desired.
- Taco seasoning mix: Fajita seasoning mix is a good substitute, or you can make your own seasoning mix with cumin, chili powder, salt, and other similar spices.
- Chunky salsa: Any salsa can be substituted here; you can use a spicier salsa for spicier results or milder salsa for less spicy results.
- Black beans: Substitute pinto or kidney beans if desired. Just make sure to rinse and drain the beans,.
- Fire-roasted corn: Regular canned or fresh corn can also be used. Frozen corn can also be substituted.
- Mexican cheese blend: Substitute a mixture of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and other cheeses if desired.
Variations to Try
- Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or ground turkey.
- Add diced jalapenos, chopped poblano peppers, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick!
- Swap the black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even a mix of them.
- Try a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese.
Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
This casserole can be made as spicy or as mild as you would like! If you want to adjust the spice level, add extra chili powder or crushed red pepper to the ground beef. Additionally, you can use mild, medium, or hot salsa, depending on your spice level preference.
Some pepper jack cheese added to the cheese mixture will also add a bit more spice. Finally, feel free to add some jalapenos to the mixture or put them on top to add a touch of fresh spice to the dish!
Trish’s Tips
- Don’t thaw your tater tots before baking! Frozen tater tots will crisp up better and get less soggy.
- If your tater tots aren’t quite as golden and crispy as you’d like after baking, put the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp them up. Just make sure to keep a close eye on it!
- We love serving this casserole with our homemade Pico De Gallo – it adds so much fresh flavor!
More Casserole Recipes to Try
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole
- Mac and Cheese
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef I used 85% lean
- ½ cup yellow onion chopped
- 4 teaspoons taco seasoning divided
- 1 cup chunky salsa
- 15 ounces black beans 1 can, rinsed and drained
- 15 ounces fire roasted corn 1 can, drained
- 4 cups Mexican cheese blend divided (16 ounces)
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots 2 pounds
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped black olives
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sour Cream
- Guacamole
- Pico de Gallo
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Add the ground beef and onion to a large skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 6 minutes until beef is no longer pink and onion is translucent. Drain off any excess grease.1 pound lean ground beef, ½ cup yellow onion
- Add two teaspoons of taco seasoning and 3 tablespoons of water and stir to combine. Cook until liquid has evaporated, stirring frequently.4 teaspoons taco seasoning
- Stir in the salsa, rinsed and drained beans, drained corn and another teaspoon of taco seasoning.1 cup chunky salsa, 15 ounces black beans, 15 ounces fire roasted corn, 4 teaspoons taco seasoning
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle 2 ½ cups of the Mexican cheese blend over the top of the beef mixture.4 cups Mexican cheese blend
- Place the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese in a single, even layer.32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of taco seasoning evenly over the tater tots.4 teaspoons taco seasoning
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top and bubbling in the middle.
- Top with the remaining cheese and broil for 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.4 cups Mexican cheese blend
- Serve hot topped with your choice of toppings.Chopped black olives, Chopped green onions, Chopped lettuce, Chopped tomatoes, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo
Notes
- Freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra baking time if needed to ensure it heats through completely.
- Freeze after baking: Let the baked casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
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Marilyn says
Delicious and super easy! Everyone loved it!
Susan says
No where in this recipe does it mention “how to prepare the pan” nor at what temperature to bake this casserole. Making it tonight for my bocce team and hoping it comes out delicious. So far, it looks great. But the extra info would have been nice.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So sorry Susan! It looks like the very first instruction line disappeared. It has been corrected and I hope it came out great for you!