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Tater Tot Taco Casserole – A Perfect Freezer Meal for New Moms
As a mom of a busy toddler and another baby on the way, I know firsthand how important it is to have easy, delicious meals ready to go in the freezer.
When those newborn days arrive, cooking dinner is often the last thing on my mind. That’s why I’m all about meal prepping hearty, family-friendly dishes that I can pull out, bake, and serve with minimal effort.
That’s where this Tater Tot Taco Casserole comes in – a fun twist on classic tater tot casserole that’s loaded with taco-inspired flavors.
It’s a meal that my toddler loves, my husband devours, and I can prep ahead of time so that dinner is one less thing to worry about when baby arrives.
Table of Contents
Equipment You’ll Need
To make this baked tater tot taco casserole, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
Why This Casserole is Perfect for Freezer Meal Prep
This Tater Tot Taco Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead freezer meal for postpartum because it’s comforting, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare.
The combination of seasoned beef, black beans, Rotel tomatoes, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots makes for a meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing flavor or texture.
I also highly recommend freezing this casserole in disposable aluminum pans. Not only do they make freezer storage easy, but they also eliminate extra cleanup—just bake the casserole straight from the freezer, then toss the pan when you’re done.
When you’re adjusting to life with a newborn, not having to wash extra dishes is a lifesaver!
How I Came Up with Tater Tot Taco Casserole Recipe
I have always loved traditional tater tot casserole, but one day I found myself wondering, Can I turn this into a taco version? The answer? Absolutely!
By adding black beans, Rotel tomatoes with chilis, sour cream, and a good dose of taco seasoning, this dish transforms into something bold, flavorful, and just as easy to make as the original.
The first time I made it, my whole family loved it, and I knew it was a winner. If you love tacos and tater tots, this is for sure going to become a family favorite!
What do I Serve with Tater Tot Taco Casserole?
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are a few easy side dish ideas:
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – A bright, creamy side dish with corn, cotija cheese, and a zesty lime dressing.
- Simple Green Salad – A light and fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado to balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Refried Beans – Serve a scoop of refried beans on the side or spread some on warm tortillas for a complete meal.
- Guacamole & Chips – A quick and easy way to add something fresh and creamy to your dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Tater Tot Taco Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes & chilis
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Diced green onions for topping
Instructions:
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F if baking immediately. If prepping for the freezer, grab an aluminum pan and set it aside.
Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Flavor: Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Season the Meat: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and taco seasoning. Mix well to coat the beef.
Mix in the Additions: Remove the skillet from heat and add in the black beans, Rotel tomatoes with chilis and sour cream.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.
Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the tater tots.
Bake or Freeze:
- If baking immediately: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- If freezing: Cover the dish tightly with foil and label with the date. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and bake at 375°F for 50-55 minutes, or until heated through.
Top & Serve: Sprinkle with diced green onions and serve warm!
How do I store Tater Tot Taco Casserole?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
If you’re freezing an unbaked casserole, it will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to cover tightly with foil or a freezer-safe lid to prevent freezer burn.
This Tater Tot Taco Casserole is a lifesaver for any busy mom, whether you’re preparing for a new baby or just need a quick and easy meal in your freezer.
The combination of savory beef, melty cheese, crispy tater tots, and bold taco flavors makes this a family favorite that everyone will ask for again and again.
If you’re stocking your freezer before baby arrives, this is a must-make recipe. Give it a try, and let me know how your family loves it!
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Tater Tot Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes & chilis
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Diced green onions for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F if baking immediately. If prepping for the freezer, grab an aluminum pan and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and taco seasoning. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Remove the skillet from heat and add in the black beans, Rotel tomatoes with chilis and sour cream.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.
Bake or Freeze
- If baking immediately: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- If freezing: Cover the dish tightly with foil and label with the date. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and bake at 375°F for 50-55 minutes, or until heated through.
- Top & Serve: Sprinkle with diced green onions and serve warm!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe for yourself? Leave a comment and photos below!
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Nutrition Disclaimer: Our Family Cooks is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
