4.43 from 204 votes

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

ByStacie Vaughan On March 1, 2025March 1, 2025

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s equal parts comfort food and fiesta, this Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is it! It’s got all the bold, zesty flavors of tacos—seasoned ground beef, sweet peppers, and gooey queso—topped with crispy, golden Tater Tots. And let’s be honest, any meal that involves Tater Tots is already a win in my book!

A pan of Mexican Tater Tot Casserole surrounded by ingredients.

This is the kind of easy, crowd-pleasing meal that disappears fast. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or just craving something cheesy and satisfying, this casserole checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a breeze to throw together—just a few simple steps, one pan for cooking, and straight into the oven it goes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Brown the beef, mix in the seasoning, layer everything in a casserole dish, and bake. Dinner doesn’t get much simpler!
Family-Friendly: Packed with cheesy, taco-inspired flavors that both kids and adults will love. Plus, who can resist crispy Tater Tots?
Great for Busy Nights: With minimal prep and hands-off baking time, this is a perfect go-to recipe for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Full of Flavor: Taco-seasoned beef, melty queso, and sharp cheddar cheese come together for the ultimate Tex-Mex-inspired comfort food.
Customizable: Want to spice it up? Add some jalapeños. Prefer a little crunch? Toss in some crushed tortilla chips on top. You can easily make it your own.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner later in the week.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

Lean ground beef: The hearty base of the casserole, adding richness and protein.
Sweet onion: Brings a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Red, orange, and yellow bell peppers: Add color, crunch, and a touch of natural sweetness.
Taco seasoning: Packs in bold, zesty Mexican-inspired flavor with minimal effort. You can also use homemade taco seasoning.
Queso: A creamy, cheesy layer that makes every bite extra delicious. Try my homemade queso.
Frozen Tater Tots: The crispy, golden topping adds texture and fun to the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Melted on top for the perfect finishing touch of gooey, cheesy goodness.

How to Make Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Step One: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, peppers, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions and peppers are softened, about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning.

Collage of cooking the beef with the veggies and spices.

Step Two: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step Three: Spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Pour queso on top and spread to cover the beef mixture. Cover with Tater Tots.
Step Four: Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve hot.

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What to Serve With It

Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Mexican Rice: A classic side that pairs perfectly with the taco flavors in the dish. Try cilantro lime rice for a fresh twist!
Refried Beans or Black Beans: A protein-packed side that adds even more Tex-Mex goodness to your meal.
Guacamole & Salsa: Serve with a side of homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, or a chunky salsa for extra flavor.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool, creamy contrast to the cheesy, spicy flavors.
Tortilla Chips: Great for scooping up any extra queso and crumbled on top for added crunch.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn makes a sweet and savory side that complements the casserole.

A spatula lifting a slice of the recipe.

Variations and Substitutions

Switch Up the Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy taco seasoning for an extra kick.
Try a Different Cheese: Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all work beautifully.
Use a Different Sauce: Instead of queso, try enchilada sauce, a creamy salsa con queso, or even a mix of sour cream and shredded cheese for a different texture.
Add More Veggies: Stir in corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Make It a One-Pan Meal: Brown the beef in an oven-safe skillet, layer everything on top, and bake—no need for a casserole dish!
Crispier Tots: For extra crunch, bake the Tater Tots on a separate sheet pan first, then add them to the casserole before baking.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes until heated through. If the top looks dry, cover with foil while reheating.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Drain Any Excess Grease: If your beef releases a lot of fat, drain it before adding the taco seasoning to keep the casserole from getting too oily.
Arrange Tater Tots in a Single Layer: This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven instead of getting soggy. If you want them extra crispy, bake them separately first, then add them to the casserole.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Shredding your own cheese makes it melt smoother and taste better.
Let It Rest Before Serving: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes. This helps it set up and makes it easier to scoop.

Tater Tot Casserole Recipes

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4.43 from 204 votes (199 ratings without comment)

105 Comments

John Isherwood says:

at

This recipe looks exciting and gorgeous, but I am in the UK, and I don’t know what tater tots are. Is there a UK equivalent?

Reply
1. Stacie Vaughan says:
  
  at
  
  Thanks John! Tater tots are small, bite-sized cylinders made from grated or finely chopped potatoes that are seasoned and then deep-fried (or baked). They’re crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Think of them like little potato nuggets!
  I did some digging for UK substitutions you could try:
  Mini hash browns (this would be the closest)
  Potato Croquettes
  
  Reply