It is a cold winter evening and everyone is hungry. You need a meal that is both filling and easy to make. This Tater Tot Enchilada Bake is exactly what your family needs right now.
This dish brings together the flavors of a taco night with a crispy potato twist. Your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes. It is the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tater Tot Enchilada Bake is a true winner for busy families. It uses simple pantry staples that you likely already have. You can get this hearty meal on the table in under an hour.
Even the pickiest eaters will love the crispy potato topping. It is budget-friendly and feeds a whole crowd easily. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you need a win.
Simple Method
Making this casserole is incredibly straightforward and stress-free. You simply brown the meat and layer everything in one dish. There are no complicated steps involved here.
Even if you are new to cooking, you can master this. The oven does most of the hard work for you. You will have perfectly crispy tots every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are fresh, simple, and easy to find at any grocery store.
- 1 lb ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 10 oz red enchilada sauce
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until meat is no longer pink.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the tots and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before garnishing with cilantro and serving with sour cream.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this bake warm while the cheese is still stretchy and gooey. Add a dollop of cool sour cream on top. The contrast of temperatures is wonderful.
You can pair this with a simple green side salad. Fresh avocado slices also make a creamy and delicious addition. Gather the family around and dig in together.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. This dish also freezes remarkably well for future meals.
To reheat, use the oven to keep the tots crispy. A microwave works but the potatoes may soften slightly. It makes a fantastic lunch the next day!
Recipe Tips
- Do not skip draining the fat from the beef.
- Arrange tots in a single layer for maximum crispiness.
- Use a glass baking dish to see the bubbly layers.
- Add a handful of fresh peppers for extra crunch.
- Double the recipe if you are feeding a large group.
- Wait five minutes before slicing to let it set.
- Check the tots at 25 minutes to prevent burning.
- Garnish with extra cilantro for a fresh pop of color.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter meal.
- Use green enchilada sauce for a tangy flavor twist.
- Add pickled jalapeños if you love a spicy kick.
- Try a dairy-free cheese to make it lactose-friendly.
Quick Answers
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the beef mixture a day early. Just add the tots right before you bake it. This keeps the potatoes from getting soggy.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It is generally mild and very kid-friendly. If you want heat, choose a spicy enchilada sauce. You can also add hot sauce at the table.
How do I know the tots are done?
The tots should be deep golden brown and firm. They will feel crunchy when tapped with a fork. This ensures the perfect texture in every bite.
I hope this cozy recipe brings warmth to your winter nights. It is a joy to see a clean plate at the end of dinner. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!
— Lidia
Tater Tot Enchilada Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 10 oz red enchilada sauce
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until meat is no longer pink.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the tots and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before garnishing with cilantro and serving with sour cream.
