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Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
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Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dinner combining crispy golden tater tots with a flavorful, seasoned ground beef or bean filling, melted cheese, and Mexican-inspired spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this versatile dish is loved by the whole family and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Sauces

  • 2 tbsp Mexican seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano)
  • 1 cup salsa or 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Other Ingredients

  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Brown the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Sprinkle in the Mexican seasoning blend and stir to coat the meat evenly, enhancing the southwestern flavors.
  2. Add Beans and Sauce: Stir in the black beans or pinto beans along with salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors perfectly.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the meat and bean mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Layer the frozen tater tots evenly over the top, then sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the casserole to create a gooey topping.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Add desired garnishes such as chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado slices before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and texture.
  • Brown meat in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and flavor development.
  • Allow casserole to rest a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
  • Try different beans like pinto or kidney for variety in flavor and texture.
  • Double the recipe to have leftovers that reheat well and taste great the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, Mexican casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family-friendly, gluten free, cheesy casserole

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