This Taco Hotdish (Without Canned Soup) is about to become your new favorite comfort food! It’s one of those recipes that combines all the cozy vibes with delicious Tex-Mex flavors. Imagine a creamy, cheesy filling layered with crispy tater tots on top. That’s exactly what we’re celebrating today! Not to mention, we’re skipping the canned soup, which means we’re focusing more on fresh ingredients, making it healthier and tastier.
Gather your family, and let’s cook something that everyone will love. This dish is the embodiment of warm meals shared around the table, offering a hug in every bite. Whether you’re looking for something quick to whip up on a busy weeknight or a show-stopper for your next gathering, this hotdish will do the trick. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey together!
Why This Recipe Works
This Taco Hotdish (Without Canned Soup) is a perfect blend of comfort food and culinary delight, ensuring a warm meal that satisfies both the taste buds and the heart. By skipping canned soup, we emphasize fresh, bold flavors from spices and quality ingredients, making this dish not only healthier but also much more delicious. The crispy tater tots on top create a delightful contrast to the creamy, savory filling, which is packed with Tex-Mex flavors that everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Hotdish (Without Canned Soup)
This Taco Hotdish is versatile, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and doesn’t require complicated techniques or specialty ingredients. You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together, as well as the ability to customize it with your favorite toppings. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish where crispy meets creamy in a hearty, comforting way?
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on your salsa)
- 1¼ cups thick salsa (drain slightly if watery)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese (divided)
- 1½ cups corn kernels (thawed if frozen, patted dry)
- 1 (48 ounces) bag frozen tater tots
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, or pickled onions
Cooking Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This way, everything won’t stick together, making it easier to serve later.
Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together. Stir occasionally until the meat is mostly browned. You’ll want to drain excess fat but leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan to keep the flavor.
Add Garlic and Spices
Next, stir in the minced garlic and spices. Let them cook for about a minute to toast the spices just enough to enhance their flavors. It’s the little things that make a big difference!
Incorporate Salsa
Add the thick salsa to the skillet, allowing it to simmer for 2–3 minutes. This step blends the flavors beautifully while reducing excess moisture. Give it a taste, and don’t hesitate to sprinkle in more salt if needed to hit that perfect flavor.
Mix in Cream and Cheese
Now, turn off the heat. Stir in the sour cream, 1½ cups of shredded cheese, and corn. Mix until everything is evenly combined. The creamy texture is what makes this hotdish so comforting!
Assemble the Hotdish
Spoon the creamy filling into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Now, take those frozen tater tots and cover the top completely. Each bite should have that delightful crunch!
Bake the Taco Hotdish
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are crisp and golden brown. In the final 5 minutes, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top, allowing it to melt perfectly. That golden cheese layer is the cherry on top!
Rest and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, give the hotdish about 5–10 minutes to rest. This helps the flavors settle beautifully. Top it off with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, or pickled onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Taco Hotdish with a side of Mexican-style rice, a fresh green salad, or tortilla chips with guacamole. All these options add a little something special, creating a complete meal experience. Plus, it’s a dream for leftovers the next day!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to drain the salsa if it’s too watery. This will prevent your hotdish from becoming soggy.
- Feel free to toss in extra ingredients like black beans or bell pepper for more nutrition and texture.
- If you prefer a little heat, diced jalapeños can be added to the beef mixture.
Variations
If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, consider substituting the beef with black beans or lentils. You could also switch up the cheese or add toppings like jalapeños or olives for an interesting flavor profile!
Storage Tips
Store leftover Taco Hotdish in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last up to 3 days. For reheating, the oven works best to keep it crispy without making it soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, shredded cooked chicken or ground chicken makes a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe.
2. How spicy is this Taco Hotdish?
The spice level is adjustable based on the salsa you choose. Opt for a mild salsa for a gentler taste; go for a hot salsa if you want an extra kick!
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy filling ahead and simply assemble just before baking. It’s a game-changer for busy days!
4. Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, it’s freezer-friendly! Assemble the hotdish before baking, cover well, and freeze. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before you bake.
5. What toppings do you recommend?
Popular choices for toppings include fresh cilantro, diced avocados, sour cream, lime wedges, and pickled onions. These add fresh flavor and make each bite special!
This Taco Hotdish (Without Canned Soup) is more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings people together. Whether for a family dinner or a game day gathering, this dish promises to be a hit. With its rich flavors, satisfying texture, and ease of preparation, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy each comforting bite!
Print
Taco Hotdish
This Taco Hotdish combines comforting Tex-Mex flavors with a creamy filling and crispy tater tots. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for family meals or gatherings.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on your salsa)
- 1¼ cups thick salsa (drain slightly if watery)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese (divided)
- 1½ cups corn kernels (thawed if frozen, patted dry)
- 1 (48 ounces) bag frozen tater tots
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, or pickled onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned and drain excess fat.
- Stir in minced garlic and spices, cooking for about a minute.
- Add thick salsa to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in sour cream, 1½ cups cheese, and corn until combined.
- Spoon filling into prepared baking dish and cover with tater tots.
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, adding remaining cheese in the last 5 minutes.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then garnish and serve.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Drain salsa if too watery to avoid sogginess.
Feel free to add black beans or bell pepper for extra nutrition.
For heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 100
