Description
This Nacho Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a deliciously easy comfort food dish combining crispy tater tots with a savory nacho cheese and ground beef mixture, topped with cheddar cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions. Perfect as a hearty family meal or party appetizer, it bakes to golden perfection in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup cooked ground beef
- 2 cups nacho cheese sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Evenly spread the frozen tater tots in a large baking dish to create a uniform base layer.
- Mix Beef and Cheese Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with the nacho cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly for an even cheesy meat blend.
- Layer Beef Mixture: Pour the beef and cheese sauce mixture evenly over the arranged tater tots, ensuring good coverage.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños (if using), and chopped green onions over the top to add flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set before serving warm.
Notes
- Feel free to omit jalapeños if you prefer a milder dish.
- Use extra ground beef if you want a meatier casserole; adjust cheese accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or beans.
- Adjust baking time slightly if your oven runs hot or cold to avoid burning the tots.
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess and flavor.
