Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish, blending the heartwarming goodness of tater tots with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s a perfect dish for busy nights when you want something hearty and fulfilling that the entire family will enjoy. This casserole combines simple ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and beans with a layer of crispy tater tots, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both tasty and easy to prepare.
This casserole is quite hearty and flavorful on its own, but I love serving it with a side of fresh coleslaw or a simple green salad to add a bit of crunch and freshness. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, try pairing it with some warm, buttery cornbread or a side of rice to soak up all the wonderful juices.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
4 cups frozen tater tots
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and salsa. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly across the bottom.
6. Layer shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
7. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve hot, optionally topped with dollops of sour cream.
Variations & Tips
For those picky eaters or dietary restrictions, feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey or even a meatless crumble to keep it vegetarian. Instead of cheddar, try using a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack and pepper jack for a spicier kick. Adding a layer of diced green chilies or jalapeños can spice things up for those who appreciate a little extra heat.
