Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of tater tots. This hearty casserole features layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, cheese, and crispy tater tots, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potluck gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a flavorful and comforting meal. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delightful Mexican Tater Tot Casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sour cream, salsa

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the beef mixture, covering it completely.
7. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Serve the Mexican Tater Tot Casserole hot, garnished with optional toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and salsa.

Tips:

• Customize the ingredients to your liking by adding diced bell peppers, sliced olives, or diced green chilies for extra flavor and texture.
• Adjust the spice level by increasing the amount of chili powder or adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or use a combination of cooked quinoa and black beans as a filling.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Variation: Mexican Tater Tot Casserole with Chicken

If you prefer chicken over beef, you can easily adapt this recipe to create a delicious Mexican Tater Tot Casserole with chicken. Follow the same steps as above, but replace the ground beef with 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken breasts. Adjust the seasonings to complement the chicken, and proceed with the remaining steps as directed.

 

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine and the crispy goodness of tater tots. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, cheese, and crispy tater tots, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a potluck gathering, this Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious choice that will leave everyone wanting seconds. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite.