Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
A hearty and flavorful Mexican Tater Tot Casserole, combining seasoned ground beef with beans, corn, salsa, and cheese, topped with crispy tater tots. Perfect for an easy dinner!
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Large skillet
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 0.5 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
- 4 cups Mexican cheese blend divided (16 ounces)
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots (2 pounds)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef and chopped yellow onion for 5-6 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is tender. Be sure to drain any excess grease for a lighter meal.
- Stir in two teaspoons of taco seasoning and three tablespoons of water. Continue cooking until the liquid has fully evaporated, ensuring the beef is well-flavored.
- Mix in the chunky salsa, rinsed and drained black beans, drained fire-roasted corn, and an additional teaspoon of taco seasoning. Stir everything together until combined.
- Transfer this delicious beef mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form the first layer.
- Sprinkle 2 ½ cups of the Mexican cheese blend over the top of the beef mixture.
- Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese. (Remember, no need to thaw them!)
- Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of taco seasoning evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly in the center.
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tater tots, then broil for 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it as is, or with healthy toppings like fresh salsa, a dollop of Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream), or diced avocado.
Notes
NUTRITION INFORMATION: Calories: 438kcal, Total Carbs: 36g, Net Carbs: 31g, Fats: 24g, Protein: 22g.
