Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef — Use lean ground beef for less fat.
- 1 package taco seasoning — Choose your favorite brand or a low-sodium option.
- 1 can corn, drained — Sweet corn is preferred.
- 1 can nacho cheese soup — This adds a creamy, cheesy flavor.
- 32 oz. bag frozen tater tots — Do not thaw; use straight from the freezer.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese — You can use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for your casserole.
- Brown the Meat:
- Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is completely browned. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Make sure no pink meat remains to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Drain the Fat:
- Once browned, carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet. This step helps reduce the grease in the final dish.
- Add Taco Seasoning:
- Lower the heat to low and sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat with seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix in Corn and Soup:
- Add the drained corn and nacho cheese soup to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and let it cook for another minute or two, just to bring everything up to a similar temperature.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the meat mixture into the dish, spreading it out to form an even layer.
- Add Tater Tots:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture. Make sure they are evenly spaced so they cook uniformly.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy on top.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serving:
- Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven; this helps everything set and makes serving easier. Serve hot, perhaps with a side of sour cream or a simple green salad.
Tips
- Variations: Feel free to add a layer of black beans or diced green chilies to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to a month.
This comprehensive recipe ensures each step is easy to follow, making your cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Enjoy your meal!
