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Taco Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe

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4 from 46 reviews

  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Taco Tater Tot Hotdish is a hearty, comforting casserole combining seasoned ground beef, vibrant veggies, black beans, and diced tomatoes, all topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted Mexican cheese. This easy-to-make, family-friendly meal features bold taco flavors and a satisfying cheesy crust, perfect for a cozy dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Meat and Veggies

  • 1½ pounds 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Canned Goods

  • 1 package (1 to 1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix (or about ¼ cup)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1½ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 can (2.25 ounces) sliced black olives, drained, divided
  • 1 can (10 ounces) petite diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy and Toppings

  • 10 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided (8 oz + 2 oz)
  • 1 package (24 to 28 ounces) frozen tater tots
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt

Optional Toppings & Condiments

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sliced black olives
  • Taco sauce
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado or guacamole

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to ensure easy removal of the hotdish later.
  2. Cook beef and vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced red bell pepper, and diced onion. Break up the beef into small pieces while cooking. Stir occasionally and cook until the beef is completely browned, about 10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat or juices. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
  3. Add seasonings and beans: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, black beans, corn kernels, and most of the sliced black olives—reserve a few olive slices for garnishing later. Mix both cans of petite diced tomatoes (with and without green chilies)—do not drain—to add to the skillet contents.
  4. Simmer to thicken: Increase heat to medium-high. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the juices bubble vigorously and begin to thicken. Once the juices have mostly absorbed, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Add cheese and transfer to baking dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in 8 ounces of shredded Mexican cheese until well combined. Transfer this beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Arrange tater tots and season: Lay the frozen tater tots in neat rows across the top of the beef mixture. Leave about a 1-inch border of beef mixture visible around the edges. Sprinkle the tater tots evenly with garlic powder and kosher salt to enhance flavor.
  7. Bake the hotdish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the hotdish is thoroughly heated and bubbling.
  8. Broil for crispy tater tots: After baking, turn on the oven broiler. Broil the tater tots for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully, until they turn nicely golden and crispy on top.
  9. Add remaining cheese and broil again: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of shredded cheese over the browned tater tots. Return the dish under the broiler for about 1 minute, or just until the cheese melts and begins to blister.
  10. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions, cilantro, and the reserved sliced black olives if desired. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, taco sauce, avocado, or guacamole for added flavor.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning mix.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer, use a dairy-free cheese to make this recipe lactose-free.
  • Fresh corn works well but frozen is more convenient and equally delicious.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Ensure tater tots are arranged in a single layer for even crisping and browning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://patriciarecipes.com/taco-tater-tot-hotdish-recipe/