Imagine a dish that combines the comfort of a warm casserole with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. That’s exactly what you get with Mexican Tater Tot Casserole. This delightful dish not only shines during family gatherings and potlucks but also transforms weeknight dinners into a festive feast. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that is as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. With layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and gooey cheese, topped with crispy tater tots, this casserole will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table.
Why We Love This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
There’s something inherently satisfying about a casserole that hits all the right notes. The Mexican Tater Tot Casserole combines familiar comfort food with exciting Mexican ingredients, bringing together the best of both worlds. You’ll love the ease of preparation and the fact that you can customize it to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to please everyone. Plus, the leftovers—if there are any—make for an incredible lunch the next day.
Ingredients about Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
How to Make Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Directions
To create your Mexican Tater Tot Casserole, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when your casserole goes in, it cooks evenly and thoroughly. Next, lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until they are browned, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from becoming greasy. After this, add the taco seasoning, diced green chilies, rinsed black beans, frozen corn kernels, and red enchilada sauce to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes so all the flavors can meld together.
Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. This will give your beef and bean mixture that creamy, cheesy goodness that makes casseroles irresistible. Spread this hearty mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Now, it’s time to layer the tater tots on top. Arrange them neatly to ensure that every inch of your casserole is covered.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the tater tots to turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and put it back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
When you see that gooey cheese on top that beckons you to dig in, take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a few moments. This resting time helps the dish set for easier serving. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro to add a burst of freshness and serve hot with sour cream on the side.
How to Serve Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
Serving Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a joyous occasion. It’s a dish that can be the centerpiece of any meal, and it’s relatively easy to dish out. You may want to use a spatula or large spoon to scoop portions onto each plate. Keep a bowl of sour cream nearby; many people love adding a dollop right on top of their serving for a creamy contrast to the other flavors.
Consider pairing your casserole with a simple green salad or perhaps some tortilla chips and fresh salsa on the side to bring some crunch to the meal. This combo creates a lively dining experience, and the colors on the plate offer a feast for the eyes as well. With the vibrant toppings, like cilantro, and the fluffy tater tots, every plate can look inviting.
If you’re feeling festive, add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder on top for those who prefer an extra kick. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility, and you can present it in various ways depending on the occasion and personal preference.
Expert Tips: Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
To elevate your Mexican Tater Tot Casserole, consider these expert tips:
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the beef mixture for more flavor and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the meat mixture.
- Cheese Variety: Mix up the cheese by adding Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile and extra creaminess.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
- Garnishes: Besides cilantro, consider toppings like avocado slices or diced tomatoes for a fresh contrast and flavor balance.
How to Store Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
Storing your Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is easy, and it keeps well for quick meals later in the week. After it has cooled, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to retain freshness. You can also transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Properly stored, the casserole will last in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers, and it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply defrost overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Variation of Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole recipe is highly versatile, allowing for numerous adaptations. For example, if you’re looking for a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black lentils or extra beans and add finely chopped mushrooms for additional texture. You could also incorporate seasonal vegetables or swap the frozen corn for fresh corn when it’s in season.
Another variation could include different types of sauces or toppings. For a spicy twist, you can use spicy enchilada sauce or even a salsa verde instead of the red enchilada sauce. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for something creamy, try adding a layer of cream cheese mixed with lime juice on top of the beef mixture before layering the tater tots.
You can also play around with the toppings. Use crushed tortilla chips instead of tater tots for a crunchy layer. The possibilities are endless, each bringing a unique twist to the classic dish.
FAQ
What is Mexican Tater Tot Casserole?
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty dish that combines ground beef, beans, corn, cheese, and tater tots, all baked together for a satisfying meal.
Can I use different beans in this casserole?
Absolutely! While black beans are commonly used, you can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or any preferred variety.
Is Mexican Tater Tot Casserole suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This casserole stores well, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Just store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer.
Can I make Mexican Tater Tot Casserole vegetarian?
Certainly! Substitute the ground beef with lentils, extra beans, or sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I top my Mexican Tater Tot Casserole with?
You can top it with sour cream, guacamole, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños to enhance the flavors and presentation.
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
For the casserole
- 1 pound ground beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 ounce taco seasoning mix 1 packet
- 4 ounces diced green chilies, drained 1 can
- 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained 1 can
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 10 ounces red enchilada sauce 1 can
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots 1 bag
- to taste chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- to serve sour cream additional serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned for about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning, diced green chilies, rinsed black beans, frozen corn, and red enchilada sauce to the skillet. Let mixture simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the tater tots on top of the beef and bean mixture.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Serving
- Let the casserole sit for a few moments before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with sour cream on the side.
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