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Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines seasoned ground beef, aromatic spices, creamy cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this casserole blends bold Mexican flavors with satisfying textures in one delicious, budget-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican seasoning blend
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack)
  • 24 oz frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the Mexican seasoning blend, black beans, corn, and tomato sauce or salsa. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
  2. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly as the base layer. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the beef mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire surface.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  4. Let It Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the casserole to set and makes serving easier while enhancing the flavors.

Notes

  • Use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer; do not thaw for maximum crispiness.
  • Allow the casserole to rest after baking for better sliceability and flavor melding.
  • Layer ingredients evenly for consistent bites.
  • Season the beef mixture to taste as you cook and adjust spices if needed.
  • Use a metal baking dish for even heating and perfectly crispy tater tots.

Nutrition

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