Midwexican Tater Tot Hot Dish Recipe
I just whipped up this Tater Tot Taco Casserole, and let me tell you, it’s the ultimate comfort food fusion—taco night vibes with a crispy twist, all in one dish! The combination of seasoned beef, creamy mushroom soup, spicy Rotel, and gooey cheddar topped with crunchy tater tots is absolutely unbeatable, and the sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top totally seals the deal!
My Midwexican Tater Tot Hot Dish is a bouncy take on a nostalgic classic. What I love about it is how its vivid and lively seasonings—taco seasoning, garlic, and pepper—meld with the flavors of ultra-comforting ground beef, bell pepper, and onions.
To me, this casserole is the very definition of junk food, and the crispy tater tots on top are the pièce de résistance.
Midwexican Tater Tot Hot Dish Recipe Ingredients
– Ground beef: Rich in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
– Onion: Adds depth and sweetness, containing antioxidants and flavonoids.
– Garlic: Offers a pungent flavor, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
– Taco seasoning: Provides a smoky, spicy flavor with various herbs and spices.
– Cream of mushroom soup: Creamy texture, adds umami; rich in sodium.
– Rotel tomatoes and green chilies: Adds tang and heat, high in vitamin C.
– Frozen corn: Sweet flavor, provides fiber and natural carbohydrates.
– Cheddar cheese: Creamy, tangy; high in calcium and protein.
– Tater tots: Crispy texture, primarily carbohydrates, indulgent comfort food.
Midwexican Tater Tot Hot Dish Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional for serving)
How to Make this Midwexican Tater Tot Hot Dish Recipe
1. Set your oven to 375° F (190° C).
2. In a big frying pan over medium heat, cook the mince until brown. Drain off any fat.
3. Place the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper into the skillet with the beef. Sauté until tender.
4. Combine the taco seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, and frozen corn in a pot. Stir them into a unity of flavor and let it simmer quietly for a couple of minutes.
5. Move the mixture of beef and vegetables to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Even out the mixture across the dish.
6. Stir the beef mixture in the baking dish and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
7. Lay the frozen tater tots out in a single layer on top of the beef and cheese mixture.
8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the tater tots for 30 to 35 minutes. You will know they are done when they are golden brown and crispy, which is how I like to eat them.
9. Take from the oven and scatter the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese over the surface. Place back in the oven for 5 minutes more, or until the cheese is completely melted.
10. Before serving, add fresh cilantro as a garnish. Serve with sour cream, if desired.
Midwexican Tater Tot Hot Dish Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Large frying pan
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Colander (for draining fat)
7. Medium pot
8. 9×13-inch baking dish
9. Measuring cups
10. Can opener
FAQ
- How can I make this dish less spicy?Substitute mild diced tomatoes for Rotel, or leave out the green chilies to reduce the heat.
- Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lower-fat alternative, or you can get more flavor by using ground sausage.
- Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?Of course! Substitute a plant-based ground meat for the beef, and you can also pump up the produce with extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Can I make it ahead of time?You can indeed prepare the dish, place a cover on it, and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 24 hours before you need to pop it in the oven.
- How long should I bake the hot dish?Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the tater tots reach a state of crispiness and golden brownness that tempts you to eat them. This is a crucial step, so do not get distracted by your cellphone.
- What can I serve with this hot dish?It goes well with sides like salads, guacamole, and tortilla chips, which accentuate the dish’s flavors.
- Can I freeze leftovers?Certainly, any remaining food should be placed in a container that is airtight and then frozen. It can remain in the freezer for 3 months and will still be in good condition. The food can be eaten after this time, but it may not taste as good as it would if eaten fresh or just a few weeks old. Reheating the food in an oven generally yields the best results, but the food can also be reheated in a microwave.
Midwexican Tater Tot Hot Dish Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option than ground beef.
Mushroom soup: Replace with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce for a similar texture.
Corn that has been frozen: Substitute with canned corn (well-drained) or fresh corn.
Cheddar cheese, shredded: Substitute Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile. This is said to be quite delicious in its own right.
Try using hash brown patties or cubed hash browns as an alternative to frozen tater tots.
Pro Tips
1. Season the Beef Well: In addition to the taco seasoning, add a pinch of salt and pepper when browning the ground beef to enhance its flavor. This will create a more savory base for your dish.
2. Layer Cheese Strategically: When you add the first layer of cheese, you can mix it into the meat and vegetable blend slightly to ensure every bite is cheesy. The second layer on top of the tater tots should be a bit thicker to create a gooey topping.
3. Optimize Tater Tot Crispiness: For extra crispy tater tots, spread them out on a baking sheet and pre-bake them for 10 minutes before placing them on the casserole. This ensures they achieve maximum crunch when baked in the casserole.
4. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the heat by selecting a mild, medium, or hot variety of Rotel. You can also add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for an extra kick if you like it spicy.
5. Enhance with Extras: Consider incorporating additional toppings before serving, such as sliced green onions, black olives, or diced avocado, to add freshness and variety to each serving.
Midwexican Tater Tot Hot Dish Recipe
My favorite Midwexican Tater Tot Hot Dish Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Large frying pan
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Colander (for draining fat)
7. Medium pot
8. 9×13-inch baking dish
9. Measuring cups
10. Can opener
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional for serving)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 375° F (190° C).
2. In a big frying pan over medium heat, cook the mince until brown. Drain off any fat.
3. Place the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper into the skillet with the beef. Sauté until tender.
4. Combine the taco seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, and frozen corn in a pot. Stir them into a unity of flavor and let it simmer quietly for a couple of minutes.
5. Move the mixture of beef and vegetables to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Even out the mixture across the dish.
6. Stir the beef mixture in the baking dish and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
7. Lay the frozen tater tots out in a single layer on top of the beef and cheese mixture.
8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the tater tots for 30 to 35 minutes. You will know they are done when they are golden brown and crispy, which is how I like to eat them.
9. Take from the oven and scatter the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese over the surface. Place back in the oven for 5 minutes more, or until the cheese is completely melted.
10. Before serving, add fresh cilantro as a garnish. Serve with sour cream, if desired.