Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance! 🔥 Our Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the zesty kick of Mexican-inspired cuisine with the irresistible crunch of golden tater tots. Perfect for hungry families, busy weeknights, or when you're craving a dish that's both satisfying and Instagram-worthy, this casserole is about to become your new obsession. Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy potato tots all baked to perfection - it's like a fiesta in your mouth!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander, then return meat to the skillet.
- Add the taco seasoning packet to the beef, stirring to coat evenly. Pour in 1/2 cup water and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is well incorporated.
- Add drained black beans and corn to the seasoned beef, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, creating an even layer.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, uniform layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top of the tater tots.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream on each serving.
Tips
- Pro Tip: Drain your ground beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole. Use a colander and let it sit for a few minutes to remove excess fat.
- Cheese Hack: For extra flavor, mix different types of cheese like pepper jack or Mexican blend alongside the cheddar.
- Customization Option: Make it spicier by adding diced jalapeños or using a hot taco seasoning blend.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap ground beef with plant-based meat or additional beans for a meat-free version.
- Crispy Tots Secret: For extra crispy tater tots, don't overcrowd the baking dish and ensure they're in a single layer.
- Serving Suggestion: Add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
