Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe (2024)

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posted by Crissy Pageon Aug 28, 2019 (updated Feb 17, 2024) 70 comments »

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Our yummy Mexican tater tot casserole is an easy and hearty meal that your whole family will love!

This delicious taco-inspired tater tot casserole recipe is chock-full of black beans, corn, ground beef and a whole lot of flavor. Oh, did I mention it’s also loaded with cheese? Yep. We definitely have the cheese component covered!

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

There’s just something about adding tater tots to a dish that makes it especially fun for the kids. I can remember the first time I told the kids that I’d be making tater tot casserole for dinner. Their eyes lit up with joy.

The kids also love this Jiffy Corn Casserole.

My little ones love eating those golden tater tots covered in gooey cheese, and I love knowing that they’re getting a warm, filling meal. Casserole recipes are always a good choice when it comes to feeding my crew.

Even better than that my Mexican tater tot casserole recipe is super quick to make. It’s really perfect for those over-scheduled weeknights or weekends when you don’t want to spend a whole lot of extra time in the kitchen.

I used ground beef in my casserole, but ground pork would also be delicious. I use ground pork often, in fact, my ground pork tacos are amazing if you’re interested in giving this protein a whirl!

It seems like easy casserole recipes like this one have sort of slipped out of fashion, but I’m still a fan of meals that you can throw together quickly and satisfy the whole family.

RELATED: Speaking of all things CHEESY, don’t miss my amazing cheesy crock pot potato soup!

Let’s face it, any meal that you make at home beats fast food and you can even get the kids involved in the kitchen to help you put this taco-flavored tater tot casserole together.

In fact, my daughter was on tater-tot duty the last time we made this casserole. I let her add the tater tots to the top of the casserole and she also helped me sprinkle the cheese over the dish toward the end.

The one thing that makes a plate of my Mexican tater tot casserole even better is a big dollop of sour cream on top and some fresh cilantro.

Oh my goodness, SO GOOD!

Are you a fan of easy family dinner recipes made with ground beef? If so, don’t miss my famous old fashioned goulash! :)

More Mexican Inspired Recipes

Cowboy Caviar
Chicken Hashbrown Casserole
Instant Pot Taco Soup
Salsa Chili
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Chicken Cobbler

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

This easy tater tot casserole will please everyone in your crew---even picky kids!

Ingredients

1 lb. 85/15 ground beef
1 onion, diced ( about ¼ cup)
1 packet taco seasoning mix (1 oz.)
1 can green chiles (4 oz.)
1 can black beans ( 15.5 oz.) rinsed and drained
1 bag frozen corn (14.4 oz.)
1 can red enchilada sauce (10 oz.)
3 cups shredded cheddar & Monterey jack cheese (off the block), divided
4 cups frozen tater tots
Cilantro, optional garnish
Sour cream, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish (I used this one) with non-stick cooking spray.
Add the ground beef and the onion to a 12-inch skillet, brown meat until thoroughly cooked. Drain off excess fat and return to skillet. Add the seasoning packet, green chiles, black beans, frozen corn and the enchilada sauce to the meat and onion, stir until combined. Over medium heat cook another 8 to 10 minutes. Add 2 cups of shredded cheese to the meat mixture and stir until blended. Pour into the baking dish and spread evenly. Place the tater tots evenly over top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
Remove from oven, add the remaining cup of cheese over the top. Bake another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with cilantro and top with sour cream!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8Serving Size: 1 bowl
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 407Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 932mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 19g

Casseroles

originally published on Aug 28, 2019 (last updated Feb 17, 2024)

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70 comments on “Mexican Tater Tot Casserole”

ELIZABETH — September 13, 2023 @ 10:43 am Reply
I like the recipe, but it was very acidic tasting. It was too much for my tastes. I added refried beans which helped.
Esther — August 11, 2023 @ 8:51 pm Reply
I love Jesus too and love your recipes!
Emily Sundsmo — August 9, 2023 @ 10:51 am Reply
Is there a good way to freeze this, like prepare the meat mixture and let it cool down, then assemble and freeze? Thank you!
oldbuck — August 5, 2023 @ 3:07 pm Reply
Your Mexican Tater Tot Casserole made me think of things I might want to incorporate into my “Grumpy’s Chili-Doggies with Crowns Pie”. I love Ore Ida potato crowns, anybody’s canned chili and cheap hot dogs. I slice my dogs length wise into quarters, then chop those worm like stips into short, quarter length pieces. Mixed with some sauteed onions, the chili, and some V8 juice. Pour that over the crowns that have been toasted. Top the whole thing with 3 cheese Mexican cheese. Heat till cheese is bubbly. Enjoy. I make this in a 9″ pyrex pie plate. Easy clean up. grumpyb
Tiffani Simons — January 20, 2023 @ 9:02 pm Reply
I loved the dish, family did too. Quick question about the portion size and nutritional information: how much is a bowl in ounces, grams or cups?
Krakorian — November 30, 2022 @ 10:10 pm Reply
About to go in.
Kijuana — June 27, 2022 @ 8:23 pm Reply
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I substituted the corn for golden hominy. This was a great recipe I made for my grandkids
Bernadette — February 1, 2022 @ 11:57 pm Reply
So good! My husband had me print it and file it in the “definitely make again” section of our recipe book.
Quick question about the portion size and nutritional information: how much is a bowl in ounces, grams or cups? And how do you calculate the nutritional information in your recipes?
Seriously a flavorful, hits-the-spot dish. Perfect for cold days and uses stuff that you most likely already have.
Nikki — November 7, 2021 @ 10:06 am Reply
I came across this recipe a few years ago. It’s not something I normally make, but I tried it anyway. So thankful I did!! We substitute beefless crumbles for a vegetarian option.
This dish has also become a staple for my freezer meals, and is my go-to for anyone who has had a new baby or is in quarantine.
Thank you for posting!! This recipe has been a game changer.
Iris — October 25, 2021 @ 7:55 pm Reply
I added chorizo and chopped jalapeño and omitted the corn. Was amazing. Could eat the filling alone too or a Mexican version of chili beans. So yummy.
Sophstar — August 30, 2021 @ 6:15 pm Reply
This recipe is a family favorite! We don’t eat meat so rather than ground beef, I use lentils and it tastes amazing! I also add a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast for added nutrition. Delicious!
Megan — August 22, 2021 @ 10:04 am Reply
Has anyone made this without the enchilada sauce, maybe a cheese sauce?
Sandi F Floyd — October 28, 2020 @ 2:45 pm Reply
Just wondering if anyone has used something a little more “Mexican” for the topping than tater tots? I LOVED the recipe and it was good, but my family was wondering if we could use tortillas strips or something else on top to continue that theme?
- Ty — October 20, 2022 @ 12:19 am Reply
  Try Rachel Ray’s Mexican lasagna. You’ll love it!!
Claire — September 19, 2020 @ 6:26 pm Reply
Looking forward to trying this! Do you have to de thaw the tater tots first or can you put them in the oven frozen straight from the bag?
- Poppy — December 26, 2021 @ 3:36 pm Reply
  If you “de thaw” they are frozen
- Shawkins — February 22, 2022 @ 3:06 pm Reply
  You do not have to thaw them. I usually cook for 30-45 minutes and then broil them for a few inches if they aren’t crispy enough.
Lara — January 25, 2020 @ 5:32 pm Reply
We love this, hubby is a HUGE fan of tater tots, when we went to visit his daughter, who grew up on his ordinary tater tot casserole, he had me make it for her & her husband. They loved as well. I found I can do my mushroom trick on this to cut back on the beef & he doesn’t notice it like he usually does. I like to meal prep, So I make a triple batch & stop before adding the cheese. Let it cool & pack it into 3 tubs to freeze. Then to make dinner you only have to thaw a tub, dump in the pan, mix in cheese & top with tater tots & bake. It makes an awesome weeknight meal.
Rating: 5
Csilla — December 10, 2019 @ 8:38 pm Reply
Awesome recipe!!! I did amp up the heat by adding an additional 4oz. can of green chiles. My hubby and I like spice!
Rating: 5
June — November 10, 2019 @ 4:26 pm Reply
So we have to cook with no dairy or gluten. Sometimes that can be a challenge. With this recipe I put the cheese in a bowl and everyone can help themselves to the cheese. This is a HUGE favorite with the Grandkids.
Rating: 4
Ashlie — September 27, 2019 @ 9:01 pm Reply
Loved this! Super yummy. My boyfriend will literally eat anything with tater tots but I’m trying to get him to explore more options. My meat, bean, corn, etc mixture was a little too soupy for my liking. I added a couple spoon fulls of flour and it thickened it up!Will be making again because well…. my boyfriend ate the whole casserole but about 2 scoops lol :)
Rating: 5
MJ — September 2, 2019 @ 12:36 am Reply
Doubled the recipe. Family loved! Definitely will make this again.
Rating: 5
Bobbi — August 29, 2019 @ 2:06 pm Reply
Oh my goodness that looks delicious!!!
Veronica — May 5, 2019 @ 11:13 am Reply
Made it . Doubled the recipe. Added so.e Mexicorn.. Definitely will make again
Rating: 5
- Hope Whaley — August 18, 2019 @ 4:14 pm Reply
  If I could give this 10 stars, I would. I made this for dinner for my husband and myself. The two of us ate half of it at once. My husband is not a big Mexican food fan but he loved this. I knew putting it together it would be good. Love the green chiles and enchilada sauce. Bold, delicious flavors. Look forward to the leftovers.
  Rating: 5
Dannette — April 3, 2019 @ 11:43 pm Reply
Hi, do the green Chile’s add spice?
- Rita — February 27, 2020 @ 12:32 pm Reply
  Not really, if you purchase canned, it is not spicy just adds flavor. I would not delete from the ingredients.
- Pam — March 27, 2020 @ 2:08 pm Reply
  My daughter have me this recipe and we BOTH made it the same night! And, we both love it!! She made it just like the recipe…but, I had everything except the enchilada sauce…but, I did have a large bottle of taco sauce, and decided to use it because I love the TASTE of it so much and thought it would work well with all the other ingredients…and it did not disappoint!! A solid five stars from my daughter and me!!!
  
  See Also
  Beef Bourguignon Recipe for Two | Dessert for Two
Nansi — March 16, 2019 @ 9:27 pm Reply
Excellent casserole! devoured by family, thank you for sharing!
Rating: 5
Robin — March 13, 2019 @ 9:26 pm Reply
I made this, adding another pound of ground beef, and haven’t found anyone who doesn’t gobble up a second helping. Maintains its great flavor the next day! Quickly a favorite and east to make in a busy evening. P
Rating: 5
Anna C — February 1, 2019 @ 7:24 pm Reply
Started making this and realized I didn’t have the enchilada sauce. Used about 1/2 c of mild Picante sauce and 1/4 c water instead. It was fantastic! Thanks for a new favorite recipe!
Rating: 5
- Crissy — February 4, 2019 @ 9:32 am Reply
  Yes, I’m sure salsa worked just fine! Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Anna!!
Mic — December 15, 2018 @ 9:14 pm Reply
Just got done eating this. Everyone loved it. My family is not big on trying new things.
Jennifer — December 14, 2018 @ 10:19 am Reply
My entire family loved this dish! Thank you!
Rating: 5
Jane Thompson — December 7, 2018 @ 1:53 pm Reply
I have made this for everyone, church, school and now work potluck. It’s my go-to take anywhere dish. Thanks so much!!
Rating: 5
Duane — November 13, 2018 @ 7:43 pm Reply
I made this for my wife and kids they really loved it! Thank you for this recipe
Tracy — October 17, 2018 @ 8:27 am Reply
I saw the question asked below, but didn’t see a response…can this be made ahead of time and frozen? Was hoping to make something for a family that just had another baby and this looked delicious!
- Crissy — October 17, 2018 @ 1:37 pm Reply
  Hi Tracy, I haven’t tried this so I’m not sure how it would come out. Let me know if you do!
- Shawkins — February 22, 2022 @ 3:09 pm Reply
  You definitely can freeze it. Just don’t add the cheese. Let them add that.
  - Nbell — September 17, 2022 @ 5:24 pm
    What happens if you add the cheese in then freeze?
Shelli — September 17, 2018 @ 1:39 pm Reply
Was so yummy! Made just as recipe instructed, thanks for the good dish!
Rating: 5
- Crissy — September 17, 2018 @ 1:57 pm Reply
  Hey Shelli, thank you for commenting. I’m so glad you loved the recipe!
Dawn Le Feuvre — September 10, 2018 @ 8:38 pm Reply
Made this dish for my son and I for dinner this evening, next time I will add some fresh jalapeños! We like spicy!If I was making this to take somewhere I wouldn’t change a thing!?
Rating: 4
Kristy — September 9, 2018 @ 1:35 pm Reply
COuld you use canned corn if you don’t have frozen?
Bethany — July 31, 2018 @ 5:45 pm Reply
Instead of the additional cheese in the mixture, I added a can of cream of mushroom soup and put some cheese on top like directed. It was super creamy and delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Rating: 5
Deb — July 21, 2018 @ 8:38 pm Reply
Could I make this and freeze it,if so how long would I need to bake it and what degree.Thanks
Diana Christian — June 28, 2018 @ 7:14 pm Reply
Made this casserole today, very good, passed it on to our Daughter ??
Leela — May 2, 2018 @ 9:36 pm Reply
This looks great! I need to buy some tater tots.
Corinne Dyas — April 28, 2018 @ 6:04 pm Reply
Excellent recipe.! My husband loved it. He ate 2 helpings.
Rating: 3
Nena Sinclair — April 28, 2018 @ 5:29 am Reply
This looks so delicious! I love meals with a Mexican influence!
Rating: 5
Meghan — April 16, 2018 @ 1:56 pm Reply
Delicious!! Made it two weeks in a row!! And it’s a good way to get veggies in your kiddos.
Rating: 5
Charlene — April 14, 2018 @ 10:22 pm Reply
I made this close to the original recipe. I baked at 350 because i misread the temp but it still turned out ok. Baked 30 minutes then added last bit of cheese….cheddar was all i had but i think any kind you use would work. I incorporated a little cilantro in the meat mixture instead of adding on top. For the corn, i substituted about a half cup crushed up corn tortilla chips. I love corn but i like it just plain, not really mixed in with anything. The tortilla chips gave it that corn flavor. My husband really liked it. Will definitely be making again.
Rating: 5
- Crissy — April 16, 2018 @ 7:24 am Reply
  Hi Charlene! Loving your changes. Glad you and your husband enjoyed this recipe!! :)
Tricia — February 28, 2018 @ 6:02 pm Reply
Do you drain the green chilies?
- Crissy — March 1, 2018 @ 9:19 am Reply
  Nope, don’t drain them! :)
David — January 5, 2018 @ 8:31 am Reply
Could this be made ahead and then just put the tater tots on before I cook it ?
- Penny Ballinger — September 14, 2019 @ 3:09 pm Reply
  I have cooked the meat mixture the night before, put in the casserole dish and refrigerated it. Took it out and let it sit on counter for 15 to 30 minutes. Put the tater tots on and continued with the recipe. Worked great
ellen beck — January 3, 2018 @ 2:03 am Reply
This looks so good. I think I would add some black olives along with that sour cream. I love dishes like this.
Rating: 5
Steph — December 28, 2017 @ 11:42 am Reply
I made this for Christmas Eve… it was the bomb! I did however add some chunky salsa and I used 1-1/2 lbs. of ground beef. Will definitely be making this again.
Rating: 5
Evelyn Parsons — November 16, 2017 @ 10:43 pm Reply
I’m not a fan of black beans, what can I use as a substitute? Other than that, the recipes sounds delicious.
- Crissy — November 20, 2017 @ 9:24 am Reply
  Hi Evelyn, you can use any beans you prefer!
Tabitha @ Tabitha Talks Food — September 27, 2017 @ 9:38 am Reply
This looks so good!!
Autumn W. — August 7, 2017 @ 9:51 pm Reply
This was amazing and made a ton! I subbed the ground beef with ground turkey and used cauliflower tots. Which lightened it up a bit . I’ll make again!
Rating: 5
Pam Eslinger — August 3, 2017 @ 3:26 pm Reply
I love your recipes!
Rating: 5
Steph — June 27, 2017 @ 11:20 am Reply
Made this last night and it was delicious. Even my 5 year old daughter and husband loved it. I will definitely add this to the rotation. I wonder if this would make a good freezer meal??
Rating: 5
Megan Peter — May 8, 2017 @ 9:29 pm Reply
Yum! Made it tonight with ground moose and added black beans. Super yummy!
Rating: 5
Erin — March 7, 2017 @ 6:49 pm Reply
I’m making this tonight with ground turkey. Should be fantastic. I swap out beef for turkey in my recipes frequently. ? Thanks for this awesome recipe in advance. We are still getting snow here in Oregon and I’m not ready to give up comfort food dinners.
Megan — March 5, 2017 @ 12:09 pm Reply
Has anyone tried this using ground turkey or ground chicken?
Sonya Cocherell — February 7, 2017 @ 12:28 pm Reply
I still love to cook casseroles, but I married a man who dearly hates them. Whenever he goes to visit his brother, my daughter and I make a casserole! Thank you for this one :)
Laurna Calabrese — February 7, 2017 @ 11:43 am Reply
I love all your recipes don’t stop posting your great ideas. I made several dishes of yours that you posted example apple tarts they were a hit, including your mac & cheese also your coffee cake recipe. I saw some recipes today that it will be making very soon. Thank you.