Pioneer Woman Taco Tots are the ultimate comfort food mashup: zesty taco-seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream, and melty cheese, all baked under a golden crown of crispy tater tots. This Tex-Mex-inspired casserole is a hit with kids and grownups alike, and it comes together in just over half an hour—perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Tots Recipe
- Bold Tex-Mex flavor – Chili powder, cumin, and Rotel tomatoes add a craveable kick.
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 35 minutes with simple pantry staples.
- Crowd-pleasing – Crispy tots meet cheesy, creamy beef—everyone loves it.
- Flexible base – Swap ingredients to fit your pantry or dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried cilantro
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes & green chiles, not drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- Frozen tater tots or crispy crowns, enough to cover casserole top
- Southwest Ranch dressing (optional, for topping)
How to Make Taco Tots
- Serve: Drizzle with Southwest Ranch dressing if desired.
- Preheat oven: to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook beef and onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with chopped onion. Drain excess grease.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, cumin, cilantro, chili powder, and cayenne (or use a taco seasoning packet). Stir well.
- Mix: Add corn, Rotel, sour cream, and 1 cup shredded cheese to the skillet. Mix to combine.
- Assemble: Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Top: Arrange tater tots or crowns in a single layer over the beef mixture.
- Bake: for 30–35 minutes until tots are golden and crispy.
Expert Tips
- Spice control: Adjust cayenne or skip it for a milder version.
- Meat swaps: Use ground turkey or a plant-based alternative.
- Veggie boost: Add black beans, bell peppers, or olives.
- Extra crispiness: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Taco Tots
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until hot.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until warmed.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, just thaw it first for even cooking. - Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! It adds tang and protein while keeping it creamy. - How do I get my tots extra crispy?
Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer and bake uncovered. Finish with a quick broil. - Can I prep this ahead?
Yes! Assemble ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
More Pioneer Woman Recipe:
- Pioneer Woman Navajo Fry Bread Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Focaccia Bread With Frozen Bread Dough Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Tenders
Nutrition Fact
- Calories: 770
- Total Fat: 51g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 78g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 5g
Pioneer Woman Taco Tots
Description
Tex-Mex taco casserole meets comfort food in this quick weeknight dinner of beef, cheese, sour cream, and crispy tots.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown beef and onions; drain.
- Season and stir in corn, Rotel, sour cream, 1 cup cheese.
- Spread in dish; top with rest of cheese and tots.
- Bake 30–35 mins at 400°F.
- Serve with ranch if desired.
Notes
- Swap meats or add beans.
Greek yogurt = lighter swap for sour cream.
Broil for crunchier top.
Make ahead and bake when ready.
Pioneer Woman Taco Tots
