This taco tater tot casserole is every bit as good as it sounds.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Talk about comfort food!

This taco tater tot casserole tastes like a cross betweenbeef enchiladasand totchos.

Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

When you scoop under the hearty, golden browntater tottopping, you’ll unveil a layer of gooey cheese.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen before baking.

Tent with foil if needed to prevent excess browning while the casserole is heating through.

Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen before reheating.

Reheat, covered, in a preheated 350F oven or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

For a festive touch, pair withmargaritasoragua frescato turn this weeknight meal into a celebration.

Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole par-baking the tater tots

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

frozen tater tots

1Tbsp.olive oil

1cupchoppedonion

1mediumred bell pepper, chopped

1lb.ground sirloin

1(15.5-oz.

)can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1(15-oz.

)can red enchilada sauce(such as Hatch)

1(10-oz.)pkg.

Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole cooking the filling for the casserole

frozen corn kernels

1(1-oz.

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Arrange tater tots on pan.

Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole assembled and ready to bake

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bake at 450F for 12 minutes.

Immediately reduce oven temperature to 375F.

Brown beef and soften vegetables:

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high.

Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole after baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Stir in beans, enchilada sauce, frozen corn, and taco seasoning.

Bring to a boil; cook until corn thaws and mixture is thoroughly heated, 3 to 4 minutes.

Assemble casserole and bake:

Spoon beef mixture into a 13- x 9inch baking dish.

Southern Living Tater Tot Casserole mixing the topping together

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sprinkle cheese evenly over beef mixture.

Arrange parcooked tater tots over cheese.

Make topping:

Meanwhile, combine tomato, scallions, and avocado in a medium bowl.

Southern Living Tater Tot Taco Casserole with topping ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Top casserole with tomato mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s no need to thaw the tater tots for this recipe.

They’re baked twice for a perfectly golden brown, crispy topping.

This tater tot casserole is similar, but swaps the soup for cheese.