Mexican Tater Tot Casserole 🌶️
A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, cheese, and a crispy tater tot topping. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal!
Equipment
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Skillet
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 1 pound lean ground beef 85% lean
- 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
Topping
- 4 cups Mexican cheese blend divided (16 ounces)
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots 2 pounds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a cozy 425°F. Give a 9x13 baking dish a light spray with nonstick cooking spray – it helps prevent sticking!
- In a big skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Stir it around for about 5 to 6 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onion turns soft. Be sure to drain away any extra fat for a healthier dish.
- Stir in 2 teaspoons of the taco seasoning and 3 tablespoons of water. Cook for a few minutes until all the liquid has vanished, giving the beef a flavorful coating.
- Now, mix in the chunky salsa, the rinsed black beans, the drained fire-roasted corn, and an extra teaspoon of taco seasoning. Stir everything well to combine all those delicious Tex-Mex flavors.
- Pour this hearty beef mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly in a single layer.
- Sprinkle 2 ½ cups of the Mexican cheese blend over the top of the beef layer.
- Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in an even, single layer right over the cheese. No need to thaw them!
- Dust the tater tots with the last teaspoon of taco seasoning for an extra kick of flavor.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling invitingly in the middle.
- For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle the remaining Mexican cheese over the hot casserole and pop it under the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes. Watch it closely until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
- Serve your delicious casserole hot and enjoy! Feel free to add fresh toppings like chopped lettuce or tomatoes for a healthy touch.
Notes
Nutrition Information per serving (1 of 12):
Calories: 438kcal
Total Carbs: 36g
Net Carbs: 31g
Fats: 24g
Protein: 22g
Calories: 438kcal
Total Carbs: 36g
Net Carbs: 31g
Fats: 24g
Protein: 22g
