Origin and Region:
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a fusion dish that combines elements of American and Mexican cuisines. While its exact origin is uncertain, it is popular throughout the United States, particularly in regions where comfort food casseroles are enjoyed.
Introduction:
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a classic American casserole. It features layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, cheese, and crispy tater tots, all baked to perfection for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado slices
Tips:
- Customize the casserole with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices.
- For a spicier kick, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
- Transfer the ground beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the ground beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the casserole hot, topped with your favorite optional toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices.
Description:
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the comforting elements of a classic casserole with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 18g
(Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients used and serving size.)