Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Name: Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup diced onion; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade); 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles; 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed); 1 1/2 cups frozen corn; 1 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce; 1 cup thick salsa; 3 cups shredded cheese (divided); 4 cups frozen tater tots

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

January 25, 2025

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Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a dish that brings joy to any table! Imagine the comfort of crispy tater tots combined with zesty taco flavors. It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. The best part? You can customize it to fit your tastes. Each bite of this casserole is a burst of flavor that can take you back to family gatherings and cozy dinners. If you’re ready to dive into a fun and delicious cooking adventure, let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Preparing the Casserole
Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Cook the Meat and Vegetables
Mix in Seasonings and Ingredients
Incorporate the Cheese
Assemble the Casserole
Bake the Casserole
Add Final Touches
Serve and Enjoy
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
Variations
FAQs
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📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful fusion of comfort food and zesty taco flavors, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. This hearty casserole is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and nostalgia. The crispy tater tots act as a delicious topping, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat and cheese below. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving a cozy meal, this casserole will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Mexican Tater Tot Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 cup diced onion
1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade)
1 (4-ounce) can green chiles
1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce
1 cup thick salsa
3 cups shredded cheese (divided)
4 cups frozen tater tots

With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to create a mouthwatering casserole that everyone will love!

Preparing the Casserole

Preheat and Prepare the Dish

First, let’s get your kitchen ready! Preheat your oven to 375°F. If you don’t have a 12-inch oven-safe skillet, don’t worry! You can spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray instead. This will ensure your casserole comes out easily when it’s done.

Cook the Meat and Vegetables

Now, grab a large 12-inch skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. As you cook, stir it often. You want the meat to be browned and the onions to be soft. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once everything is cooked, be sure to drain any excess fat. We want all the flavor without the grease!

Mix in Seasonings and Ingredients

It’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and toss in the green chiles, black beans, frozen corn, salsa, and red enchilada sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. The colors will start to come together beautifully, and the aromas will fill your kitchen. It’s getting exciting!

Incorporate the Cheese

Next, let’s make it cheesy! Mix in 2 cups of the shredded cheese until it’s melted and evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The cheese adds creaminess and ties all the flavors together. You’ll want to make sure it’s melted and blended in well.

Assemble the Casserole

Now for the fun part: assembling the casserole! Spread the meat and cheese mixture into an even layer in your prepared baking dish. Next, grab those frozen tater tots. Place them on top of the meat mixture in a single layer. This crunchy topping is what makes this casserole truly special!

Bake the Casserole

It’s time to bake! Place the casserole in the preheated oven and let it cook for 35-40 minutes. You want to see the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy. This is the moment you’ll start to feel hungry!

Add Final Touches

Once your casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. The next step is to sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the tater tots. Put it back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This will melt the cheese just enough to create a gooey topping that everyone will love.

Serve and Enjoy

Now, it’s time to serve your masterpiece! You can garnish your casserole with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro. Each bite will be a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Serve it warm and watch your family and friends dig in!

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve the Mexican Tater Tot Casserole alongside a fresh salad. You can also pair it with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips for an extra festive touch. And don’t forget a refreshing drink! Iced tea or a light Mexican beer would be the perfect complement to this hearty dish.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect casserole:

Substitute the Meat: Feel free to use ground turkey or a meat alternative if you want a lighter option. It will still taste great!
Add Some Heat: If you like spice, chop up some bell peppers or jalapeños and mix them in for an extra kick.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just bake it when you’re ready to serve!

Variations

The fun doesn’t stop here! You can mix things up with these variations:

Change the Beans: Swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans if you want a different taste.
Go Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, use a variety of beans and colorful vegetables instead of meat.
Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack adds a spicy twist, while cheddar gives a classic flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Q: What can I use instead of ground beef?
A: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

In conclusion, learning how to make Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a rewarding experience that promises to deliver on flavor and satisfaction. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful meal! Enjoy every bite and the happy moments it brings to your table.

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Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients