There’s just something about a hot, bubbly casserole fresh out of the oven that feels like a warm hug after a long day. And when that casserole is loaded with seasoned beef, black beans, melty cheese, and topped with crispy, golden tater tots? Well, that’s what I call comfort food at its absolute best!
This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a one-dish wonder that combines bold, Tex-Mex flavors with a crunchy, cheesy, and hearty texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this dish will steal the show every single time!
Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
✔️ Quick & Easy: No complicated steps—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
✔️ Flavor Explosion: A perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and spicy goodness.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready.
✔️ Customizable: Switch up the protein, cheese, or spice level to fit your taste.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Before we get into the steps, let’s talk about what you need to make this cheesy masterpiece:
For the Casserole:
- 2 lbs ground beef – Lean ground beef works best for a non-greasy casserole.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a nice aromatic depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything tastes better with garlic.
- 1 tsp cumin – Warm, earthy, and essential in Tex-Mex cooking.
- 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (or Cajun seasoning) – For that kick of spice.
- 1 tsp garlic salt – Enhances the savory flavors.
- 1 tsp black pepper – Just a little to balance everything out.
- 1 (15 oz) can green enchilada sauce – Brings moisture and zesty flavor.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed – For protein and texture.
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel® (diced tomatoes & green chilies) – Adds a slight heat and tang.
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles – Extra smoky heat.
- 8 oz sour cream – Creamy richness that ties everything together.
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded – Melts beautifully for that stretchy cheese pull.
- 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded – Adds sharpness and depth.
- 1 (32 oz) bag tater tots – The crispy topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro 🌿
- Sliced jalapeños 🌶
- Drizzle of sour cream 🍶
HOW TO MAKE MEXICAN TATER TOT CASSEROLE
Alright, let’s get cooking!
STEP 1: PREP THE OVEN & BAKING DISH
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and ensures a crispy, golden crust on the tater tots.
STEP 2: COOK THE BEEF MIXTURE
1️⃣ In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns.
2️⃣ Once it starts cooking, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns soft and translucent.
3️⃣ Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
STEP 3: SEASON & ADD THE INGREDIENTS
4️⃣ Stir in the cumin, Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper, mixing well to coat the beef evenly.
5️⃣ Pour in the green enchilada sauce, followed by the black beans, Rotel®, green chiles, and sour cream.
6️⃣ Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and fragrant!
MEXICAN TATER TOT CASSEROLE: CRUNCHY, CHEESY, AND FULL OF FLAVOR
Welcome back! Now that we’ve prepped our seasoned beef mixture, it’s time for the fun part—assembling, baking, and digging in! This is where all the flavors meld together, the cheese gets gooey, and the tater tots turn crispy and golden brown.
If you’re already hungry, don’t worry—this part is super easy and will have your kitchen smelling absolutely amazing in no time!
STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE
Now that our beef mixture is rich, creamy, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavors, it’s time to layer it up in the baking dish:
1️⃣ Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness.
2️⃣ Sprinkle both cheeses (Monterey Jack and sharp Cheddar) evenly over the beef mixture. This is going to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer. Don’t skimp on the cheese! The more, the better.
3️⃣ Arrange the tater tots in a neat, even layer over the cheese. You can line them up neatly for an Instagram-worthy look or just scatter them for a more rustic feel. Either way, make sure they cover the entire surface—this is what gives the casserole its signature crispy topping!
STEP 5: BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION
🔥 Pop it in the oven and bake uncovered at 425°F for 45 minutes.
This is the magic step where all the layers come together:
✔️ The cheese melts into the beef mixture, making everything creamy and rich.
✔️ The flavors intensify as everything bakes together.
✔️ The tater tots get that irresistible golden brown, crispy texture on top.
💡 Pro Tip:
- If you love extra crispy tater tots, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
STEP 6: GARNISH & SERVE
Once the casserole is bubbly and golden, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it sit for 5 minutes to set before serving (this helps the layers hold together better when you scoop).
Now, for the finishing touches:
🌿 Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor.
🌶 Add sliced jalapeños for extra spice.
🍶 Drizzle with sour cream for a creamy contrast.
Then, grab a spoon and dig in! Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, crispy, and spicy goodness.
TIPS & VARIATIONS TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR CASSEROLE
This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to mix things up! Here are some easy ways to customize it:
✔️ Switch Up the Protein:
- Use ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even chorizo instead of ground beef.
✔️ Make it Vegetarian:
- Skip the meat and add extra black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers for a delicious meat-free version.
✔️ Spice It Up:
- Add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
✔️ Go Extra Cheesy:
- Add a third cheese like Pepper Jack for even more melty goodness.
✔️ Make It a Breakfast Casserole:
- Replace ground beef with breakfast sausage and stir in scrambled eggs before layering the cheese and tots.
SERVING IDEAS & STORAGE TIPS
This casserole is already a meal on its own, but if you want to go all out, here’s what to serve it with:
🥗 Side Dish Ideas:
- A simple green salad with lime dressing
- Warm flour tortillas to scoop up the filling
- A side of Mexican rice or refried beans
🛑 How to Store Leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
MEXICAN TATER TOT CASSEROLE: FAQS & FINAL THOUGHTS
You’ve made it this far, which means you’re either already enjoying your first bite or planning to make this epic casserole ASAP! Either way, I’m here to answer the most common questions you might have before diving in.
This section will cover everything you need to know about substitutions, reheating, and how to make this dish perfect every single time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. CAN I MAKE THIS CASSEROLE AHEAD OF TIME?
Absolutely! This casserole is a great make-ahead meal:
- Prep it the night before: Assemble everything, cover with foil, and store in the fridge overnight.
- Bake it fresh: When you’re ready to eat, bake it as directed—just add 5 extra minutes since it’ll be cold.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re freezing it for later, don’t add the tater tots until just before baking to keep them crispy!
2. HOW DO I MAKE THIS DISH SPICIER?
If you love extra heat, try these simple tweaks:
🔥 Use hot Rotel® (spicy diced tomatoes & chilies) instead of regular.
🔥 Add extra jalapeños or diced serrano peppers to the beef mixture.
🔥 Swap in Pepper Jack cheese for a little extra kick.
🔥 Drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
3. CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF MEAT?
Absolutely! While ground beef is the classic choice, here are some tasty swaps:
🥩 Ground turkey or chicken – A leaner option that still tastes great.
🌭 Chorizo – Adds extra smokiness and spice.
🍗 Shredded rotisserie chicken – A great shortcut if you’re in a hurry.
🥓 Crumbled bacon – Not a meat replacement, but definitely a great addition!
4. WHAT OTHER TOPPINGS CAN I ADD?
If you love extra toppings (who doesn’t?!), try these:
🧀 More cheese – Add an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese after baking.
🥑 Guacamole – The perfect creamy contrast.
🍅 Pico de gallo – Fresh diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
🌿 Cilantro & lime juice – Adds a fresh, zesty finish.
5. HOW DO I STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS?
This casserole stores and reheats like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep!
🛑 To store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months (wrap tightly in foil).
🔥 To reheat:
- Oven method (best for crispy tots!): Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave (for quick meals): Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
💡 Pro Tip: If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first, then bake.
Print
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
This hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a perfect weeknight dinner or party dish! With seasoned ground beef, black beans, green chiles, and melty cheese, topped with crispy tater tots, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can green enchilada sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel® (diced tomatoes & green chilies)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 8 oz sour cream
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 (32 oz) bag tater tots
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the beef mixture:
In a large cast-iron skillet, cook ground beef, onions, and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent.
Drain excess grease, then return to skillet.
3️⃣ Season & add ingredients:
Stir in cumin, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper.
Add green enchilada sauce, black beans, Rotel®, green chiles, and sour cream. Mix well until fully combined.
4️⃣ Assemble the casserole:
Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top.
Arrange tater tots in a neat, even layer over the cheese.
5️⃣ Bake the casserole:
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
6️⃣ Serve & enjoy:
Remove from oven and serve hot.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or a drizzle of sour cream, if desired.
Notes
- Spice it up! Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it extra creamy! Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese to the beef mixture.
- Want a crunchier topping? Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the tater tots even more!
- Meat alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo for a different twist.
- Meal prep-friendly! Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
