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Loaded Taco Tater Tot Casserole Dip

loaded taco tater tot casserole dip - featured image

This loaded taco tater tot casserole dip combines spiced beef, creamy cheese, crispy tater tots, and fresh toppings for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or pepper jack)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (or salsa)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1/2 avocado, diced (optional)
  • Pickled jalapeños, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion for 6-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir in black beans and remove from heat.
  4. In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and shredded Monterey Jack until smooth and creamy.
  5. Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the creamy cheese mixture and spread to cover.
  6. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese layer. Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden and cheese is bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes. Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, avocado, and pickled jalapeños as desired.
  9. Serve hot with sturdy tortilla chips or pita chips. Offer extra toppings on the side.

Notes

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture. Customize with your favorite toppings or make it vegetarian by swapping the beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans. For gluten-free, ensure your taco seasoning and tater tots are certified gluten-free. Assemble ahead (without tots and cheese) and refrigerate, then add tots and cheese just before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco dip, tater tot casserole, party appetizer, game day, Tex-Mex, cheesy dip, crowd pleaser, easy casserole, comfort food