Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Comfort

The Mexican Tator Tot Casserole Recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines bold Mexican flavors with classic comfort food. This hearty casserole starts with a layer of seasoned ground beef or turkey, cooked with onions, garlic, and taco seasoning. Next, a blend of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes adds texture and vibrant color. For a creamy touch, a layer of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream are spread over the meat mixture. The highlight of the dish is the crispy tater tots arranged neatly on top, which bake to golden perfection. Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or avocado for an extra kick. This Mexican Tator Tot Casserole Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.

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Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Comfort Food Dish

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dinner idea, this Mexican Tater Tot Casserole recipe is the perfect choice. Combining crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and zesty Mexican-inspired flavors, this casserole is a versatile and comforting dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or prepping a weeknight meal, this recipe is simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and loaded with textures that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

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Mexican Tator Tot Casserole Recipe

Mexican Tator Tot Casserole is a delightful fusion dish that combines the comfort of classic tator tot casserole with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s a versatile and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering. The combination of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and melted cheese topped with crispy tator tots creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 4 people

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
• 1 can(15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can(15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can(10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tator tots
• Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced green onions, sour cream, salsa

Instructions

 

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Add Seasonings: Add the taco seasoning to the beef and mix well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Combine Ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Layer Casserole: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly. Spread the sour cream over the beef mixture, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the sour cream.
• Add Tator Tots: Arrange the frozen tator tots in a single layer over the top of the cheese.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tator tots are crispy and golden brown.
• Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings if desired.

Notes

Tips

• Customize the Heat: Adjust the spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional beans and veggies.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add the tator tots just before baking.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Prepare as directed but do not bake. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. To cook, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 50-60 minutes, adding the final cheese layer during the last 10 minutes.

This Mexican Tator Tot Casserole is a family-friendly dish that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting appeal of a casserole and the vibrant, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy!

 

 

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a simple ingredient list, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of crispy tater tots and cheesy goodness makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add veggies, adjust spices, or swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel works great)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• Chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Season and Add Veggies: Add taco seasoning, onion, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the veggies soften.
4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
6. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.
7. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Add Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
9. Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

This estimate is based on 8 servings.

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: ~800mg

Tips for Making the Best Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

1. Cheese Options: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. Cheddar or pepper jack works well too.
2. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
3. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.