Print

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Mexican Tater Tot Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and layers of melted Mexican cheese blend topped with crispy tater tots. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, then served with fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, pico de gallo, green onions, and black olives for a delicious, comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 teaspoons taco seasoning, divided
  • 1 cup chunky salsa
  • 15 ounces black beans (1 can), rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces fire roasted corn (1 can), drained

Casserole Layers and Toppings

  • 4 cups Mexican cheese blend, divided (16 ounces)
  • 32 ounces frozen tater tots (2 pounds)
  • Chopped black olives (for topping)
  • Chopped green onions (for topping)
  • Chopped lettuce (for topping)
  • Chopped tomatoes (for topping)
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Guacamole (for serving)
  • Pico de gallo (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to prepare for layering the casserole.
  2. Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 6 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
  3. Season the Beef: Stir in 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning along with 3 tablespoons of water. Cook while stirring frequently until the liquid evaporates, infusing the meat with the seasoning.
  4. Add Beans, Corn, and Salsa: Mix in the chunky salsa, rinsed and drained black beans, drained fire roasted corn, and an additional teaspoon of taco seasoning. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
  5. Layer Beef Mixture: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer to form the base of the casserole.
  6. Add First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 2½ cups of the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the beef mixture, creating a creamy, cheesy layer.
  7. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese.
  8. Season Tater Tots: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning over the tater tots to add extra flavor.
  9. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the tater tots turn golden brown, crispy on top, and the mixture underneath is bubbling.
  10. Add Final Cheese and Broil: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Broil for 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and slightly browned.
  11. Serve with Fresh Toppings: Serve the casserole hot, garnished with chopped black olives, green onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sides like sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Use 85% lean ground beef to reduce excess fat but maintain flavor.
  • Ensure to drain canned beans and corn well to avoid sogginess.
  • For a spicier dish, use a hot salsa or add extra taco seasoning.
  • Customize toppings based on preference or dietary needs.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles and use vegan cheese.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: Mexican tater tot casserole, taco beef casserole, tater tots recipe, easy Mexican casserole, ground beef casserole

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