Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines crispy tater tots with savory ground beef, cheese, salsa, and beans. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 bag of tater tots (about 32 oz)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can (15 oz) beans, drained and rinsed (black or pinto beans)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked ground beef evenly on the bottom. Layer the drained beans over the beef, then pour the salsa evenly on top.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the salsa layer. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is heated through.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, mix some taco seasoning into the ground beef while cooking.
• Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
• Use spicy salsa for a kick or swap salsa for enchilada sauce for a different taste.
• Top with sliced jalapeños or fresh cilantro before serving for extra freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.

Can I use frozen beans instead of canned?

Yes, if using frozen beans, make sure to thaw and drain them well before layering to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 309 reviews

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and flavorful baked dish, combining crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, cheese, salsa, and beans. This comforting casserole layers these ingredients for an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen tater tots
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat. If desired, add taco seasoning and a splash of water, simmering for 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading half of the tater tots evenly on the bottom. Next, layer the cooked ground beef over the tots, followed by the black beans. Pour salsa evenly over the layers, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add remaining tater tots to cover the casserole, and finish with the remaining cheddar cheese.
4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes. Then serve warm, optionally garnished with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions.

Notes

• You can substitute black beans with pinto or kidney beans depending on preference.
• For extra flavor, add diced onions and bell peppers to the ground beef while cooking.
• To make it spicier, use a hot salsa or add chopped jalapeños.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Mexican casserole, tater tots, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, baked casserole, comfort food