This Tater Tot Enchilada Bake is a beloved family dinner recipe that promises delicious flavor without the intense spice. Imagine a delightful fusion of classic tacos and enchiladas, all crowned with crispy tater tots – a true crowd-pleaser for any night of the week!

Tater Tot Enchilada Bake: Your New Go-To Family Dinner

There’s something undeniably comforting and exciting about hearing the words “Tater Tot.” Often underestimated, these humble shredded potato cylinders offer a perfect blend of crispy exterior and tender interior, bringing a delightful texture to any dish. In our kitchen, they’re not just a side; they’re the star of many memorable meals, and this Tater Tot Enchilada Bake is a shining example of their versatility and deliciousness.

Prepare to add this Tater Tot Enchilada Bake to your regular dinner rotation. It’s incredibly satisfying and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at your table, especially since it’s designed to be flavor-rich but not overly spicy. We also understand that opinions on black olives can be divided; if they’re not your favorite, simply omit them – the dish will still be fantastic! If you find yourself falling in love with the magic of tater tot casseroles, be sure to explore our Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie recipe for another comforting meal idea.

Why This Enchilada Bake Will Become Your Family’s Favorite

In the quest for easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meals, this Tater Tot Enchilada Bake stands out. It effortlessly combines the savory goodness of ground beef with the zesty kick of enchilada sauce, all blanketed under a gooey layer of melted cheese and crispy tater tots. It’s a dish that brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts, making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or any time you need a delicious pick-me-up.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. We’ve kept the spice level mild to ensure it’s suitable for all palates, from the youngest family member to those who prefer less heat. However, if you crave a bolder flavor, it’s incredibly easy to adjust. Think of this recipe as a canvas for your culinary creativity – a foundation for countless delicious variations tailored to your family’s unique tastes.

Essential Ingredients for Your Tater Tot Enchilada Bake

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable casserole. The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, accessible components that come together to form a rich and complex flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for each item:

• Ground Beef: We recommend lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, adjusting cooking times as needed.
• Yellow Onion: A medium yellow onion, finely chopped, provides a foundational aromatic sweetness that balances the savory meat. White onions can also be used.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor depth. Two cloves are suggested, but feel free to add more if you’re a garlic enthusiast. Jarred minced garlic is a convenient alternative for busy cooks.
• Fajita Seasoning: This blend is key to imparting that delicious Tex-Mex flavor. Use your favorite store-bought brand, or make your own Homemade Fajita Seasoning for a personalized touch and to control sodium levels.
• Frozen Tater Tots: The star of the show! You’ll need about 4 cups, which is typically half a standard bag. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; they’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Mild Red Enchilada Sauce: A 10-ounce can of mild red enchilada sauce forms the creamy, flavorful base. If you prefer a different flavor profile, green enchilada sauce is a fantastic alternative that offers a tangier, sometimes milder, taste. For a spicier kick, opt for a medium or hot red enchilada sauce.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a wonderful creamy texture and a very subtle hint of spice. If you’re highly sensitive to heat, Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are excellent, milder substitutes that still provide that essential melty goodness.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: One cup of shredded cheddar cheese complements the pepper jack beautifully, adding classic cheesy flavor and a rich golden brown crust. This is optional but highly recommended for extra cheesiness!
• Sliced Black Olives: A 2.25-ounce can of drained sliced black olives offers a savory, briny counterpoint. As mentioned, if black olives aren’t to your liking, simply leave them out without compromising the dish’s integrity.
• Toppings: Don’t forget your garnishes! Sliced green onions, diced fresh tomatoes, and a generous dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option) add freshness, color, and a creamy finish that elevates the entire meal.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Tater Tot Enchilada Bake

Creating this delightful Tater Tot Enchilada Bake is a straightforward process, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these easy steps to bring this comforting casserole to life:

1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake once your casserole is assembled.
2. Brown the Beef Base: In a large skillet, over medium heat, add your ground beef, chopped yellow onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and the onions are softened, about 7-10 minutes.

Once the ground beef is thoroughly browned, it’s crucial to drain any excess grease. This step prevents your casserole from becoming oily and ensures the flavors remain distinct and delicious. Return the drained meat mixture to the skillet.

3. Season the Meat: Sprinkle two tablespoons of fajita seasoning evenly over the cooked beef and onion mixture.

Stir the seasoning into the beef mixture thoroughly, ensuring every bit of meat is coated. Keep the skillet on a medium-low heat during this step to allow the flavors to meld without overcooking.

4. Add Enchilada Sauce: Pour the mild red enchilada sauce directly into the seasoned beef in the skillet.

Stir well to fully incorporate the enchilada sauce with the meat mixture, creating a rich and savory base for your casserole.

5. Combine with Tater Tots: Gently add the frozen tater tots to the skillet with the saucy beef mixture.

Carefully stir until the tater tots are thoroughly coated with the delicious enchilada sauce and beef mixture. Turn off the heat once combined.

6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the entire mixture from the skillet into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking and browning.

7. Top with Cheese and Olives: Generously sprinkle both the pepper jack and cheddar cheeses (if using) all over the tater tot mixture. Then, evenly distribute the sliced black olives on top.

8. Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes. The casserole is ready when the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the tater tots on top are golden brown and crispy.

9. Serve and Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Then, serve warm with your chosen toppings: a sprinkle of diced green onions, fresh chopped tomatoes, and a dollop of cool sour cream for the ultimate flavor experience!

Customization and Serving Suggestions

This Tater Tot Enchilada Bake is fantastic as is, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking and make it a complete meal:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to sauté some diced bell peppers or corn along with the onion and ground beef for added nutrients and color.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture, or use a medium/hot enchilada sauce. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top before baking also works wonders.
• Bean Boost: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans with the enchilada sauce for extra protein and fiber.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a Mexican blend cheese for varied flavors.
• Side Dishes: Serve this hearty casserole alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of fresh avocado slices or guacamole would also be a perfect complement.
• Make it a Bowl: Instead of a plate, serve generous scoops in bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings for a fun, interactive dinner.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole is excellent for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm through. For larger amounts, cover with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole! Assemble the bake (without baking), cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Craving More Tater Tot Recipes?

If you’re now a true tater tot aficionado, you’re in luck! We have a plethora of recipes that celebrate these golden, crispy potato gems:

• Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
• Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
• Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie
• Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
• Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole
• Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Chicken Casserole
• Tachos (Tater Tot Nachos)
• Loaded Tater Tot Cups

Tater Tot Enchilada Bake Recipe Card

Tater Tot Enchilada Bake

This Tater Tot Enchilada Bake is a family favorite dinner that isn’t spicy hot. It’s like a tater tot taco! Simple and easy ingredients make this a perfect weeknight meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tablespoons fajita seasoning
• 4 cups frozen tater tots (about 1/2 bag)
• 10 ounce can mild red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
• 2.25 ounce can sliced black olives, drained
• For topping: sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, and sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown ground beef along with onion and garlic.
2. Once browned, drain excess grease then return meat to skillet.
3. Next, sprinkle two tablespoons fajita seasoning onto beef. Stir well (keep skillet on a medium-low heat).
4. Then pour in enchilada sauce. Stir well. Add frozen tater tots. Gently stir until the tater tots are coated with sauce. Turn off heat.
5. Transfer mixture into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure it is evenly spread out.
6. Sprinkle cheese all over tater tot mixture. Top with sliced black olives.
7. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Cheese should be melted and tater tots should be golden brown.

Notes

Serve with diced green onions, chopped tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for a perfect finish!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Nutrition (Estimated per Serving)

Calories: 604 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 28g |
Protein: 29g |
Fat: 41g |
Sodium: 1381mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 4g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Conclusion: A New Family Favorite Awaits

The Tater Tot Enchilada Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create comforting memories around the dinner table. Its ease of preparation, customizable flavors, and universally loved components make it an ideal choice for any home cook looking to deliver a satisfying and delicious meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this casserole offers a simple path to a truly delightful dining experience. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to enjoy a dish that perfectly blends Tex-Mex zest with classic American comfort. Your family will thank you!