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Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 14 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Mexican Tater Tot Casserole featuring a savory beef and pepper mixture seasoned with taco spices, topped with creamy queso and crispy baked tater tots, finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh toppings. Perfect for a hearty family meal or casual get-together.

Ingredients

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 red pepper, chopped
  • 1 orange pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow pepper, chopped
  • 1 package taco seasoning

Other Ingredients

  • 1 jar queso (394 ml)
  • ¾ of a 1 kg package of frozen Tater Tots
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Black olives (for topping)
  • Chopped tomatoes (for topping)
  • Sliced green onions (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef and vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, red, orange, and yellow peppers, and lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions and peppers have softened, which should take about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning thoroughly to coat the mixture with flavor.
  2. Preheat oven and prepare casserole dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  3. Assemble the casserole: Spread the cooked beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Pour the jar of queso evenly over the beef mixture, spreading it to cover completely. Then, layer the frozen Tater Tots over the queso to create a crispy topping once baked.
  4. Bake the casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. This allows the Tater Tots to cook through and the queso to meld with the beef mixture.
  5. Add cheese and finish baking: After 40 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
  6. Serve with toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven, add optional toppings such as black olives, chopped tomatoes, and sliced green onions for added freshness and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your Mexican Tater Tot Casserole.

Notes

  • You can customize the toppings based on your preference, such as adding jalapeños for heat or sour cream for creaminess.
  • If desired, swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
  • The queso adds creaminess; if preferred, use a homemade cheese sauce.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.

Find it online: https://miracooking.com/mexican-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/