🌮 Victory’s Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe 🧀🥔🔥
Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Victory’s Taco Tater Tot Casserole is just the recipe you need! This hearty dish combines seasoned ground beef, corn, and nacho cheese soup, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of taco-flavored beef, cheesy goodness, and crispy tater tots is a winning recipe for both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
2 lbs lean ground beef 🥩
Ground beef forms the hearty base of this casserole, providing protein and rich flavor. -
1 (1.25-ounce) package of taco seasoning 🌮
Taco seasoning adds a spicy, zesty kick to the beef, infusing the entire dish with bold Mexican-inspired flavors. -
1 (15-ounce) can of corn, drained 🌽
Corn adds a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the savory beef and creamy cheese sauce. -
1 (10.75-ounce) can Fiesta nacho cheese soup 🧀
This soup brings a creamy, cheesy element to the casserole, making it irresistibly rich and flavorful. -
1 (32-ounce) package of tater tots 🥔
Tater tots create a crispy, golden topping that adds texture and a bit of indulgence to the casserole. -
1 (8-ounce) package of cheddar cheese 🧀
Cheddar cheese, melted on top, brings everything together with a gooey, savory finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and the tater tots will get nice and crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning
After draining the beef, stir in the taco seasoning along with the amount of water specified on the seasoning packet (typically about 2/3 cup). Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the beef to soak up all the spicy, savory flavors.
Step 4: Mix in Corn and Cheese Soup
Next, add the drained corn and the can of Fiesta nacho cheese soup to the seasoned beef. Stir until everything is well combined. The corn adds sweetness and texture, while the cheese soup brings a creamy, tangy flavor that ties the dish together.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This creates a savory, flavorful base for the casserole. Then, arrange the tater tots on top in a single layer. The tater tots will become golden and crispy as they bake, adding a delicious crunch to every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. This allows the tater tots to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 35 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. This final step adds a rich, cheesy topping that perfectly complements the crispy tater tots and flavorful beef mixture.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese is melted, your casserole is ready to serve! For added flavor, you can top your servings with a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of taco sauce.