Savory Southwest Tater Tot Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Get ready to dive into the comforting embrace of a Savory Southwest Tater Tot Casserole. This dish brings together the bold flavors of the Southwest with the nostalgic appeal of tater tots, all in one irresistible casserole. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.

Ingredients for Savory Southwest Tater Tot Casserole

Ground beef forms the hearty base, absorbing all those delicious spices. Black beans add protein and a subtle earthiness, while corn kernels provide bursts of sweetness. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, bringing a creamy richness. The star of the show, tater tots, create a crispy, golden topping. Onion and bell pepper build the flavor foundation, and garlic adds aromatic depth. A packet of taco seasoning mix simplifies the spice blend, and sour cream offers a tangy, smooth finish. Olive oil helps sauté the veggies to perfection. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with cilantro and jalapeños for an extra punch.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try mixing a little enchilada sauce into the beef mixture.
  • For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for more beans or a meat substitute.
  • Feeling adventurous? Add a handful of chopped green onions before baking for added zing.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or a helping of steamed vegetables. If you’re hosting a party, consider serving it with tortilla chips and a side of guacamole for dipping. A refreshing margarita wouldn’t hurt either!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.

Savory Southwest Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll thank yourself later for having it ready to go. Grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté these until they’re softened and the kitchen smells heavenly.

Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned through. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat — nobody needs that. Stir in your taco seasoning, followed by the black beans and corn. Mix well, then fold in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Transfer this delightful mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top. Next, arrange the tater tots in a single layer, covering the entire surface.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for those tater tots to turn a lovely golden brown and get nice and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and slices of jalapeños if you’re feeling spicy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A harmonious blend of spicy, cheesy, and savory elements that satisfy every craving.
  • Quick and easy prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Uses common pantry staples, so you won't need a special store run.
  • Customization is a breeze — tweak the heat level to your family’s preference.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Sliced jalapeños for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
4. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and sour cream. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
7. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños before serving.

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