Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comfort of a classic casserole. This dish features layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, cheese, and crispy tater tots, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Seasoning and Vegetables:
   • Add the taco seasoning mix to the skillet and stir to combine.
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well mixed and heated through.
4. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
   • Add the cooked beef mixture to the bowl and stir until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the beef mixture.
   • Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the cheese.
6. Bake the Casserole:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
   • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and sliced green onions if desired.
   • Serve hot, and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness of this Mexican Tater Tot Casserole.

Conclusion

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. With its combination of seasoned beef, vegetables, cheese, and crispy tater tots, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a Mexican twist. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of this delicious casserole!