Description
This Easy Taco Casserole is a delicious and comforting one-dish meal that combines seasoned ground beef, refried beans, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. Topped with fresh lettuce, black olives, salsa, sour cream, and diced tomatoes, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb. ground beef (454g)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (37g)
- 14.5 oz. can petite diced tomatoes, drained (411g)
Base and Topping
- 16 oz. can refried beans (454g)
- 16 oz. bag frozen tater tots (454g)
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (226g)
Garnishes
- Shredded lettuce
- Black olives, sliced
- Chips (optional)
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Roma tomato, diced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the Meat and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Simmer with Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low, then add the taco seasoning and drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Layer the Base: Spread the refried beans evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, place the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beans.
- Add the Meat Layer: Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the layer of tater tots, spreading it out to cover the surface.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the meat layer. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, chips (if using), sour cream, salsa, and diced Roma tomato as desired. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Adjust taco seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers store well and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Gluten-free tater tots and seasoning packets can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
