Mexican-Style Potato Puff Casserole

by

Mexican-Style Potato Puff Casserole

A crunchy, cheesy, taco-inspired twist on the classic tater tot casserole. Perfectly sized to feed a hungry family of eight.

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 50 minutes

  • Total time: 1 hour

  • Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients

The Filling

  • 2 lbs Ground beef (lean works best to minimize grease)

  • 1 packet Taco seasoning (your favorite brand)

  • 1 can (15 oz) Whole kernel corn, fully drained

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) Condensed nacho cheese soup

The Topping

  • 32 oz bag Frozen tater tots (cylindrical potato puffs)

  • 1 ½ cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it is completely cooked through and no pink remains. Drain the excess grease thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole.

  3. Season: Turn the heat down to low. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir for 2–3 minutes to let the spices bloom and coat the meat.

  4. Create the Sauce: Add the drained corn and the can of nacho cheese soup to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well combined.

  5. Layer the Base: Pour the warm meat and cheese mixture into the prepared 9×13 dish. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.

  6. The “Crust”: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the top of the meat. Pro tip: For maximum crunch, don’t overlap them too much!

  7. The First Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. The filling should be bubbly, and the tots should be starting to turn golden.

  8. Add the Cheese: Carefully remove the pan and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tots.

  9. The Final Melt: Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.

  10. Serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce set.

Serving Suggestions

To really lean into the “Taco Night” vibe, set out bowls of these fresh toppings so the kids can customize their plates:

  • Cold sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo

  • Sliced jalapeños (for the brave ones!)

  • Shredded lettuce for a bit of crunch

Leave a Comment