Description
A hearty and flavorful Mexican Tater Tot Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce layered with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner with a delicious Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green chilli, sliced
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups frozen corn
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can red enchilada sauce
Dairy and Others
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
- Cilantro, to garnish
- Sour cream, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess fat and return the mixture to the skillet.
- Season & Mix: Add the taco seasoning, green chilli, black beans, frozen corn, and red enchilada sauce. Stir to combine well. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes over medium heat so that flavors meld. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and mix gently until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crisp.
- Add More Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use a cooking spray or butter to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra sliced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based beef crumbles.
- Make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking the beef to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- The casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
