Description
This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a savory ground beef mixture seasoned with taco spices, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly weeknight meal with a delicious Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 green chili, sliced
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (about 15 oz)
- 3 cups frozen corn
- 1 can red enchilada sauce (about 10 oz)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Cilantro, to garnish
- Sour cream, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess fat and return the mixture to the skillet.
- Season & Mix: Add the taco seasoning, sliced green chili, black beans, frozen corn, and red enchilada sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine well. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes over medium heat so that the flavors meld. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and mix gently until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crisp.
- Add More Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot.
Notes
- To make this dish spicier, add more sliced green chilies or some cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with a plant-based protein or additional beans and vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- You can substitute tater tots with frozen hash browns if preferred.
- Feel free to add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.
