Description
This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 green chili, sliced
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups frozen corn
- 1 can red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 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, sliced green chili, black beans, frozen corn, and red enchilada sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine well. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes over medium heat so the flavors meld. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and mix gently until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking 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 from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef to keep the casserole from being greasy.