Should you’re on the lookout for a dinner that’s equal elements consolation meals and fiesta, this Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is it! It’s obtained all of the daring, zesty flavors of tacos—seasoned floor beef, candy peppers, and gooey queso—topped with crispy, golden Tater Tots. And let’s be sincere, any meal that entails Tater Tots is already a win in my guide!
That is the type of simple, crowd-pleasing meal that disappears quick. Whether or not you’re feeding a hungry household on a busy weeknight or simply craving one thing tacky and satisfying, this casserole checks all of the containers. Plus, it’s a breeze to throw collectively—only a few easy steps, one pan for cooking, and straight into the oven it goes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: Brown the meat, combine within the seasoning, layer the whole lot in a casserole dish, and bake. Dinner doesn’t get a lot less complicated!
- Household-Pleasant: Full of tacky, taco-inspired flavors that each youngsters and adults will love. Plus, who can resist crispy Tater Tots?
- Nice for Busy Nights: With minimal prep and hands-off baking time, it is a excellent go-to recipe for these nights while you want dinner on the desk quick.
- Stuffed with Taste: Taco-seasoned beef, melty queso, and sharp cheddar cheese come collectively for the final word Tex-Mex-inspired consolation meals.
- Customizable: Wish to spice it up? Add some jalapeños. Desire a little bit crunch? Toss in some crushed tortilla chips on high. You possibly can simply make it your personal.
- Good for Meal Prep: Make it forward of time and reheat leftovers for a simple lunch or dinner later within the week.
Elements
The total printable recipe card with measurements and directions is discovered on the backside of the submit.
- Lean floor beef: The hearty base of the casserole, including richness and protein.
- Candy onion: Brings a light sweetness and depth of taste to the dish.
- Crimson, orange, and yellow bell peppers: Add shade, crunch, and a contact of pure sweetness.
- Taco seasoning: Packs in daring, zesty Mexican-inspired taste with minimal effort. It’s also possible to use do-it-yourself taco seasoning.
- Queso: A creamy, tacky layer that makes each chew additional scrumptious. Attempt my do-it-yourself queso.
- Frozen Tater Tots: The crispy, golden topping provides texture and enjoyable to the dish.
- Cheddar cheese: Melted on high for the right final touch of gooey, tacky goodness.
Make Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
- Step One: Warmth a big skillet over medium warmth. Add onions, peppers, and floor beef. Prepare dinner till the meat is not pink and the onions and peppers are softened, about 7 to eight minutes. Stir in taco seasoning.
- Step Two: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a big casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Step Three: Unfold the meat combination evenly on the underside. Pour queso on high and unfold to cowl the meat combination. Cowl with Tater Tots.
- Step 4: Bake for 40 minutes. Take away from oven and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake a further 5 minutes or till cheese is melted. Serve scorching.
What to Serve With It
- Contemporary Inexperienced Salad: A easy aspect salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a zesty lime French dressing balances the richness of the casserole.
- Mexican Rice: A basic aspect that pairs completely with the taco flavors within the dish. Attempt cilantro lime rice for a recent twist!
- Refried Beans or Black Beans: A protein-packed aspect that provides much more Tex-Mex goodness to your meal.
- Guacamole & Salsa: Serve with a aspect of do-it-yourself guacamole, pico de gallo, or a chunky salsa for additional taste.
- Bitter Cream: A dollop of bitter cream on high provides a cool, creamy distinction to the tacky, spicy flavors.
- Tortilla Chips: Nice for scooping up any additional queso and crumbled on high for added crunch.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn makes a candy and savory aspect that enhances the casserole.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap Up the Protein: Swap the bottom beef for floor turkey, hen, and even plant-based crumbles for a lighter choice.
- Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños and a splash of scorching sauce, or use a spicy taco seasoning for an additional kick.
- Attempt a Completely different Cheese: Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese mix would all work fantastically.
- Use a Completely different Sauce: As an alternative of queso, strive enchilada sauce, a creamy salsa con queso, and even a mixture of bitter cream and shredded cheese for a distinct texture.
- Add Extra Veggies: Stir in corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes for additional taste and texture.
- Make It a One-Pan Meal: Brown the meat in an oven-safe skillet, layer the whole lot on high, and bake—no want for a casserole dish!
- Crispier Tots: For additional crunch, bake the Tater Tots on a separate sheet pan first, then add them to the casserole earlier than baking.
Storage Directions
- Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool fully, then cowl it tightly with plastic wrap or switch leftovers to an hermetic container. Retailer within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
- Reheat: Heat particular person parts within the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes till heated by way of. If the highest seems dry, cowl with foil whereas reheating.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the absolutely cooked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for as much as 3 months. To reheat, thaw in a single day within the fridge and bake at 350°F for 25–half-hour till scorching and bubbly.
- Make Forward: Assemble the casserole (with out baking), cowl tightly, and retailer within the fridge for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. When prepared, bake as directed—simply add a number of additional minutes if it’s chilly from the fridge.
Recipe Ideas and Methods
- Drain Any Extra Grease: In case your beef releases plenty of fats, drain it earlier than including the taco seasoning to maintain the casserole from getting too oily.
- Prepare Tater Tots in a Single Layer: This helps them crisp up properly within the oven as a substitute of getting soggy. If you would like them additional crispy, bake them individually first, then add them to the casserole.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese accommodates anti-caking brokers that may have an effect on melting. Shredding your personal cheese makes it soften smoother and style higher.
- Let It Relaxation Earlier than Serving: After baking, permit the casserole to take a seat for about 5 minutes. This helps it arrange and makes it simpler to scoop.
Tater Tot Casserole Recipes
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Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
This simple Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is loaded with seasoned beef, melty queso, crispy Tater Tots, and gooey cheddar cheese. A family-friendly dinner prepared very quickly!
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Warmth a big skillet over medium warmth. Add onions, peppers and floor beef. Prepare dinner till beef is not pink and onions and peppers are softened, about 7 to eight minutes. Stir in taco seasoning.
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a big casserole dish with cooking spray. Unfold the meat combination on the underside evenly. Pour queso on high and unfold to cowl beef combination. Cowl with Tater Tots. Bake for 40 minutes. Take away from oven and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake a further 5 minutes, or till cheese is melted. Serve scorching.
Store the advisable merchandise
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Serving: 1bowl | Energy: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 22g | Fats: 11g | Saturated Fats: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g | Monounsaturated Fats: 3g | Trans Fats: 0.3g | Ldl cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 658mg | Potassium: 471mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2019IU | Vitamin C: 93mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 3mg
The data proven is an estimate offered by a web based diet calculator. It shouldn’t be thought-about an alternative choice to knowledgeable nutritionist’s recommendation.
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