Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 orange pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow pepper, chopped
• 1 package Taco Seasoning
• 1 jar queso (394 ml)
• 3/4 of a 1 kg package of frozen Tater Tots
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and peppers to the skillet and cook until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season and Layer: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Spread the seasoned beef and peppers evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Add the Tater Tots and Queso: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. Pour the jar of queso evenly over the tater tots, ensuring they are fully covered.
5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
6. Top with Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and become gooey. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Spice It Up: For an extra kick of heat, add diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to use your favorite combination of bell peppers or add additional vegetables such as corn or black beans for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Low-Carb Mexican Tater Tot Casserole: To make a low-carb version of this casserole, substitute the frozen tater tots with cauliflower tots or diced cauliflower. You can also use a homemade keto-friendly queso sauce made with cream, cheese, and spices.

With these tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions, you’re well-equipped to create the ultimate Mexican Tater Tot Casserole that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with your own twists and additions, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Tex-Mex goodness with this irresistible casserole!

Source: plusdeclics.com