Description
This Nacho Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a deliciously cheesy and savory dish perfect for family dinners or game day snacks. Featuring crispy tater tots layered with a rich nacho cheese and ground beef mixture, topped with cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions, it’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups nacho cheese sauce
- 1 cup cooked ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Arrange the tater tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in a large baking dish, creating a base layer for the casserole.
- Prepare the beef and cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with the nacho cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly for a creamy, flavorful topping.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the beef and cheese mixture evenly over the layer of tater tots in the baking dish.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and chopped green onions evenly over the mixture to add layers of flavor and color.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and prevent burns.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different protein option.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and increase the amount of cheese or add beans.
- Make sure not to thaw the tater tots before baking to ensure they crisp up perfectly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for the best texture.
