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Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 63 reviews

This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a deliciously hearty and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and a zesty salsa base, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted Mexican cheese blend. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor—finished with fresh toppings like black olives, green onions, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo to customize each serving.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 teaspoons taco seasoning, divided
  • 1 cup chunky salsa
  • 15 ounces black beans (1 can), rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces fire roasted corn (1 can), drained
  • 4 cups Mexican cheese blend (16 ounces), divided
  • 32 ounces frozen tater tots (2 pounds)

Toppings

  • Chopped black olives
  • Chopped green onions
  • Chopped lettuce
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Pico de Gallo

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to prepare for layering the casserole.
  2. Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
  3. Season the Beef: Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning over the beef mixture and add 3 tablespoons of water. Stir well to combine and cook until the liquid evaporates, stirring frequently to avoid burning and to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Add Salsa, Beans, and Corn: Stir in the cup of chunky salsa, rinsed and drained black beans, drained fire roasted corn, and an additional teaspoon of taco seasoning. Mix everything evenly to build a flavorful casserole base.
  5. Layer Beef Mixture: Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer to form the bottom of your casserole.
  6. Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly distribute 2 ½ cups of the Mexican cheese blend over the beef layer, providing a rich cheesy layer beneath the tater tots.
  7. Arrange Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese. This layer will bake crisp and golden, creating a satisfying texture contrast.
  8. Season Tater Tots: Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of taco seasoning evenly over the tater tots to enhance their flavor.
  9. Bake Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling hot in the center.
  10. Add Remaining Cheese and Broil: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of Mexican cheese blend on top. Switch the oven to broil, and broil the casserole for 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  11. Serve with Toppings: Serve the casserole hot, topped with your choice of chopped black olives, green onions, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo for a fresh and flavorful finish.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, add jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a spicier salsa.
  • Make sure to drain canned beans and corn well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • For a gluten-free version, verify that the taco seasoning and canned ingredients are gluten-free.

Keywords: Mexican tater tot casserole, tater tot bake, ground beef casserole, Mexican casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/mexican-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/