Taco Tater Tot Casserole: The Original Casserole Recipe

The taco tater tot casserole is the best recipe you can find to relish your taste buds. This is because the dish is really tasty. Thus, to get your hands on the dish and to know the original tater tot casserole recipe, read this blog.

This will let you know about more tater tot recipes and also help you innovate with certain tater tot casserole recipes. Therefore, get along with it and know how to make the Mexican tater tot casserole along with knowing the nutritional quotient of it.

About the Taco Tater Tot Casserole

Taco Tater Tot Casserole is known to be a hearty and satisfying dish. It beautifully combines the best of comfort food with the goodness of Mexican-inspired flavors. The base of the casserole is a flavourful mixture of seasoned ground beef or turkey.

It is often combined with ingredients like onions, garlic, and taco seasoning. This helps in the creation of a savory filling. The meat mixture is layered with a lot of ingredients. This can include black beans, corn, and shredded cheese. This helps to add in a Tex-Mex twist.

More About It…

The star of the dish, is the crispy tater tots. This sits on the top. Eventually, the frozen potato nuggets bake up and become golden and crunchy. This helps to provide a delightful contrast to the savory filling that is underneath. The casserole is thoroughly baked until everything is seen to be hot and the tater tots are perfectly crispy.

The dish is often garnished with fresh toppings. This includes chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños. It is also accompanied by sour cream or salsa. This dish is not only easy to make, but also offers a fun twist on traditional casseroles. This has only been possible with its taco-inspired flavors and its crispy potato topping.

How to Cook Taco Tater Tot Casserole?

The Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious, and a hearty dish. It is perfect for a family meal. The Tator Tot Casserole can be used for potluck too. The making of the Tater Tot Casserole recipe is easy as one has to combine seasoned ground beef.

However, it has to be done with a variety of Tex-Mex ingredients and later, it must be topped with crispy tater tots. The Tatertot casserole is easy to prepare and it can please everyone at the table. Below is the detailed guide on how to make it.

Ingredients

1. Ground Beef: 1 pound (454 grams)
2. Taco Seasoning Mix: 1 packet (30 grams)
3. Black Beans: 1 cup (170 grams), drained and rinsed
4. Corn Kernels: 1 cup (165 grams)
5. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (113 grams)
6. Tater Tots: 1 pound (454 grams)
7. Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (120 grams)
8. Chopped Tomatoes: 1/2 cup (90 grams)
9. Chopped Cilantro: 1/4 cup (4 grams)
10. Jalapeño Peppers (optional): 1 tablespoon (9 grams), chopped
11. Cooking Oil: 1 tablespoon (for browning beef)
12. Salt and Pepper: to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of cooking oil.
3. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook it.
4. Break the ground beef with a spoon until it is browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Drain the excess fat if needed.
6. Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning mix for another 2 minutes.
7. Stir in 1 cup of drained black beans and 1 cup of corn kernels.
8. Mix well to combine.
9. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Lightly grease a baking dish with a non-stick spray or you could use a small amount of oil too.
11. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
12. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
13. Arrange 1 pound of tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
14. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
15. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are seen to be golden brown and crispy.
16. Check that the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
17. Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before you decide to serve it.
18. Top the dish with fresh chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño peppers if you desire.
19. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream on each portion. You could use salsa on the side, too.

Tips and Variations of the Taco Tater Tot Casserole

There are various tips and variations that you could use on the tater tot dish. Below is a list of them:

1. Use ground turkey or chicken if you are in for a leaner version.
2. Replace the ground beef with additional beans and corn for a vegetarian casserole.
3. Add diced green chilies or hot sauce to the beef mixture if you are someone who likes extra heat.
4. You can try using a mix of cheeses. This can include Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a variety and mix of different flavors.
5. If you are using frozen tater tots, then make sure they are thawed slightly. This is important as it can help them bake evenly.

Mini Points Concerning the Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Below are some tiny points that are important with regard to cooking a casserole recipe. Check them out:

1. The preparation time of the dish is approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
2. The cooking time is around 30 to 35 minutes.
3. The total time concerning the dish is around 45 to 50 minutes.
4. The serving suggestions of the dish is that you can serve it with a side salad or some steamed veggies. This will help you out to balance out the meal.
5. The storage of the leftover casserole dish can be stored in an airtight container. It must be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. As per your convenience, you can later reheat it in the microwave or oven.
6. To freeze the dish, let the casserole cool down completely. Afterwards, wrap it tightly in a plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze it up for atleast 3 months. Make sure you thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Breakdown of Taco Tater Tot Casserole

Serving Size: 1 Cup (approx. 200 grams)

Ingredients & Nutritional Values

Ground Beef (85% lean, 15% fat) – 1 pound (454 grams)

1. Calories: 1,120
2. Protein: 80 grams
3. Fat: 88 grams
4. Saturated Fat: 35 grams
5. Cholesterol: 240 mg
6. Sodium: 320 mg

Taco Seasoning Mix – 1 packet (30 grams)

1. Calories: 60
2. Protein: 2 grams
3. Fat: 1 gram
4. Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
5. Cholesterol: 0 mg
6. Sodium: 1,200 mg

Black Beans – 1 cup (170 grams, drained and rinsed)

1. Calories: 227
2. Protein: 15 grams
3. Fat: 0.9 grams
4. Saturated Fat: 0 grams
5. Cholesterol: 0 mg
6. Sodium: 2 mg

Corn Kernels – 1 cup (165 grams)

1. Calories: 140
2. Protein: 5 grams
3. Fat: 1.5 grams
4. Saturated Fat: 0 grams
5. Cholesterol: 0 mg
6. Sodium: 10 mg

Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup (113 grams)

1. Calories: 455
2. Protein: 28 grams
3. Fat: 37 grams
4. Saturated Fat: 23 grams
5. Cholesterol: 105 mg
6. Sodium: 690 mg

Tater Tots – 1 pound (454 grams)

1. Calories: 1,040
2. Protein: 10 grams
3. Fat: 60 grams
4. Saturated Fat: 7 grams
5. Cholesterol: 0 mg
6. Sodium: 1,000 mg

Sour Cream – 1/2 cup (120 grams)

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 2 grams
3. Fat: 22 grams
4. Saturated Fat: 14 grams
5. Cholesterol: 80 mg
6. Sodium: 45 mg

Chopped Tomatoes – 1/2 cup (90 grams)

1. Calories: 16
2. Protein: 0.8 grams
3. Fat: 0.2 grams
4. Saturated Fat: 0 grams
5. Cholesterol: 0 mg
6. Sodium: 2 mg

Chopped Cilantro – 1/4 cup (4 grams)

1. Calories: 1
2. Protein: 0.1 grams
3. Fat: 0 grams
4. Saturated Fat: 0 grams
5. Cholesterol: 0 mg
6. Sodium: 1 mg

Jalapeño Peppers – 1 tablespoon (9 grams)

1. Calories: 4
2. Protein: 0.2 grams
3. Fat: 0.1 grams
4. Saturated Fat: 0 grams
5. Cholesterol: 0 mg
6. Sodium: 0 mg

Total Nutritional Values for Entire Casserole (Assuming 8 Servings Per Recipe)

1. Calories:3,943 calories
2. Protein: 142.1 grams
3. Fat: 209.5 grams
4. Saturated Fat: 80.5 grams
5. Cholesterol: 425 mg
6. Sodium: 3,268 mg
7. Carbohydrates: 285 grams
8. Dietary Fiber: 30 grams
9. Sugars: 17 grams

Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (1 Cup)

1. Calories: Approximately 493 calories
2. Protein: Approximately 17.6 grams
3. Fat: Approximately 26.2 grams
4. Saturated Fat: Approximately 10.1 grams
5. Cholesterol: Approximately 53 mg
6. Sodium: Approximately 409 mg
7. Carbohydrates: Approximately 35.6 grams
8. Dietary Fiber: Approximately 3.8 grams
9. Sugars: Approximately 2.1 grams

What Things Should You Be Conscious of While Cooking the Taco Tater Tot Casserole?

Below are certain things you must keep in mind while cooking any of the tater tot casserole recipes:

1. The nutritional values are known to be approximate. It can vary based on specific brands and methods of preparation.
2. The reduction of the sodium content can be achieved by using a low-sodium taco seasoning and cheese.
3. To achieve a lower fat content, you must use a lean ground turkey. You can also use a reduced-fat cheese.

Conclusion

Thus, this is all you need to know about the taco tater tot casserole. Make the dish today and indulge in the goodness of what this dish can provide with some extra garnishing.

FAQ’S

Is the taco tater tot casserole dish good?

Ans: Yes. It is good.

Is the tater dish nutritious?

Ans: Yes. It is nutritious.

Can I serve the casserole dish at parties?

Ans: Yes. You can serve it in parties.

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