Mexican Tater Tot Casserole (15-Minute Prep)
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
1/2 cup salsa (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1/2 cup sour cream (for serving, optional)
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Jalapeños (optional, for extra spice)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat and Cook Beef:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, add the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Season and Combine:
Drain any excess fat from the beef if necessary. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, and black beans. Mix everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Layer the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the cheese (don’t worry about them being perfectly arranged, they’ll spread out as they cook).
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Garnish and Serve:
Once done, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top (optional) and let it melt in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro, and add jalapeños for an extra kick if desired.