Name: Fiesta Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 oz (3 tbsp) taco seasoning; 1 cup mild chunky salsa; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed; 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (divided); 1 bag (28 oz) frozen tater tots (use about 3/4 of the bag); Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sour cream, extra salsa

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This Fiesta Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a cheesy, zesty, and ultra-comforting dinner that brings all the flavors of taco night into one bubbling hotdish. Made with shredded chicken, black beans, salsa, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy crown of golden tater tots, it’s a hearty and family-friendly meal that’s ready in just over 30 minutes. I like to call it a weeknight win.

Fiesta Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I can throw it together with simple pantry staples.
It’s easily adaptable—chicken, beef, or even vegetarian versions work great.
The crispy tater tots add the perfect texture.
It’s freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved.
Everyone at my table (even the picky ones) always goes back for seconds.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cream cheese, softened
taco seasoning (about 1 ounce or 3 tablespoons)
mild chunky salsa
black beans, drained and rinsed
cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
frozen tater tots
Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sour cream, extra salsa

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F and set aside a 12-inch oven-safe skillet.
In a large bowl, I mix softened cream cheese with taco seasoning until smooth.
I stir in the salsa until well combined.
Next, I fold in the black beans, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of shredded cheese until coated evenly.
I spread this mixture into the skillet and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Then, I layer frozen tater tots over the top in a single layer (I use about ¾ of a 28-ounce bag).
I bake it for 25–30 minutes until the tots are golden and crispy. For extra crunch, I broil it for 2–3 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye.
Once it’s out of the oven, I serve it warm with my favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Ground Beef Fiesta Casserole: I swap in cooked ground beef instead of chicken.
Spicy Version: I use hot salsa and pepper jack cheese to turn up the heat.
Vegetarian: I double the beans and maybe add corn, leaving out the meat entirely.
Extra Cheesy: I sneak in a bonus layer of shredded cheese under the tater tots.

Storage/Reheating

Make Ahead: I assemble it up to 24 hours ahead of time, but I wait to add the tater tots until just before baking to keep them crispy.
Freezing: I wrap the assembled casserole tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight and bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
Leftovers: I refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheating in the oven at 350°F brings back the crispiness, but the microwave works fine for a quick meal. I also like to wrap and freeze single portions for grab-and-go lunches.

FAQs

Can I use a baking dish instead of a skillet?

Yes, I use a 9×13-inch baking dish if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet. It works just as well.

What kind of cheese works best?

Monterey Jack melts beautifully, but I’ve also had great results with cheddar, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Can I make this ahead and freeze it?

Absolutely. I often assemble it, freeze it, and then just bake it fresh when I need an easy dinner.

What other toppings can I use?

I love topping it with sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeños, or even guacamole. It really depends on what I have on hand.

Can I skip the beans?

Yes, if beans aren’t my thing, I just leave them out. The casserole is still cheesy and full of flavor.

Conclusion

Fiesta Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is my go-to when I want something comforting, quick, and loaded with flavor. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and the option to switch things up based on what I have, it’s a dinner I know will always satisfy. I like to make it ahead, freeze it, or serve it fresh out of the oven with my favorite toppings—and there are never any leftovers.