INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
Brown the Ground Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Add the Aromatics and Veggies:
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Stir in the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes:
Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn kernels, and undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Season with Taco Seasoning:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the meat and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir until the seasoning is evenly distributed and coats all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture from the skillet into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the meat mixture in a single layer, covering the entire surface.
Bake:
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is heated through.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Garnish:
Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Garnish the Mexican Tater Tot Casserole with optional toppings such as diced avocado, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and flavor.
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