MEXICAN TATER TOT CASSEROLE RECIPE

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole combines the heartiness of traditional Mexican flavors with the playful twist of tater tots, making it a beloved dish for family dinners and gatherings. This recipe captures the essence of comfort food with its layers of refried beans, zesty tomatoes, and seasoned ground beef, all topped off with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It's a dish that promises to be both filling and flavorful, perfect for those who appreciate a bit of spice and everything nice in their meals.

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Ingredients

• 1 16-ounce can refried beans
• 2 10-ounce cans original Ro-tel style tomatoes, divided; drained
• ½ cup minced fresh cilantro leaves, divided
• 2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 2 cups Colby Jack shredded cheese
• 2 cups Mexican-style blend shredded cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 can corn, drained or 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 32-ounce package frozen tater tots
• Juice of 1 lime

Possible Garnishes:

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced scallions
• Shredded Mexican blend or Sharp Cheddar cheese
• Sliced or chopped avocados
• Sliced black olives
• Sour cream
• Chopped lettuce

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a 9x13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick spray. Place the dish on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet for easier handling.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the refried beans, one can of drained Ro-tel tomatoes, hot sauce, and ¼ cup of minced cilantro. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is browned throughout, approximately 6-8 minutes. Make sure to break the meat apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain the beef and set it aside.

Step 4: Using the same skillet, add a tablespoon of oil and the minced onions. Cook until the onions are translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and oregano, cooking for an additional minute.

Step 5: Return the browned beef to the skillet, adding the second can of Ro-tel tomatoes, corn, cider vinegar, brown sugar, and lime juice. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then cook for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Cooking Note:

When layering the casserole, ensure each layer is evenly spread to create a harmonious balance of flavors in every bite. The baking time may vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on the casserole during the final minutes to avoid over-browning the tater tots.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the casserole warm, garnished with your choice of chopped cilantro, tomatoes, scallions, cheese, avocados, black olives, sour cream, and lettuce to enhance its Mexican flair.

Tips:

1. Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese for topping to find your preferred flavor and meltiness.
2. Meat Alternatives: For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
3. Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili powder and hot sauce based on your heat preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 35 g
• Sodium: 870 mg

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful dish that combines classic Mexican ingredients with the crispy pleasure of tater tots, topped with a generous amount of cheese. It's a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit various dietary preferences and spice levels. This casserole is not just a meal but an experience that brings joy and comfort to the dining table, perfect for any occasion.

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