This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic dish. Combining the zesty spices of Mexican cuisine with the crispy, golden goodness of tater tots, this casserole is perfect for a quick family dinner or a casual gathering. The layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, melty cheese, and crunchy tater tots create a symphony of textures and flavors. Garnished with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Spread the refried beans evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked beef mixture over the beans, followed by the frozen corn.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and return it to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
