Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired “Taco Tater Tot Casserole” brings zesty flavors together in one irresistible baking dish. Rich layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots create a comfort meal that satisfies deep cravings and delights dinner companions.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean or leaner)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (15 ounces / 425 grams)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, diced small
- 1 medium red pepper, diced small (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 can diced green chiles, mild or hot (4 ounces / 113 grams)
- 1 package taco seasoning (1 ounce / 28 grams or 2–3 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 package frozen corn (10 ounces / 283 grams)
Dairy, Sauce, and Topping Ingredients:
- 3 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
- 1 can red enchilada sauce (10 ounces / 283 grams)
- 1 package frozen tater tots (32 ounces / 907 grams)
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Tomatoes
- Guacamole
- Sliced olives
- Green onions
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Thoroughly heat the oven to create an optimal baking environment for a crispy, bubbling casserole.
- Transform ground beef into a savory base by browning it completely and eliminating excess grease.
- Infuse the meat with aromatic depth by sautéing chopped onions, vibrant red peppers, and pungent garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Elevate the flavor profile by incorporating zesty green chiles and robust taco seasoning, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify.
- Introduce texture and protein with black beans and sweet frozen corn, gently mixing to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Create a robust foundation by spreading the spiced meat mixture uniformly across a baking dish, then cascade enchilada sauce to provide moisture and additional flavor complexity.
- Generate a luxurious cheese layer by generously sprinkling shredded cheese over the saucy mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Crown the casserole with a strategic arrangement of frozen tater tots, positioning them in a precise single layer for maximum crispiness.
- Bake until the tater tots transform into golden, crunchy sentinels and the underlying mixture bubbles with tempting intensity.
- Personalize the dish by adorning with preferred garnishes that add fresh contrast and individual flair before serving.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or choosing mild/hot varieties to suit different taste preferences.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling everything except tater tots, then add tots just before baking to prevent soggy texture.
- Enhance nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower into the meat mixture for extra vitamins and fiber.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 502
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg