Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
A hearty and indulgent Mexican Tater Tot Casserole featuring layers of crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, zesty salsa, and savory beans. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that combines Tex-Mex flavors with classic comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Beans
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, based on preference)
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Other
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and crisp tater tots.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Layer Ground Beef and Beans: Spread the cooked ground beef evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the drained beans evenly over the beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Pour the salsa evenly over the beans and ground beef. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese completely.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole with additional toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños.
- Use any type of beans you prefer such as black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans for different flavors and textures.
- For a spicier version, opt for a hot salsa or add chili powder and cumin to the ground beef while cooking.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Keywords: Mexican Tater Tot Casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, easy dinner recipe
Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/mexican-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/
