This Slow Cooker Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is one of those crowd-pleaser dishes that combine convenience with comfort. As a busy professional, I love having recipes that can essentially cook themselves while I tackle my to-do list. This casserole brings together the satisfying crunch of tater tots with zesty Mexican flavors, making it a hit at any gathering or just for a cozy night in. I remember the first time I made this, it was for a potluck at a friend’s house. Let’s just say, it was the first dish to disappear from the table!

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple salad of crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. You can also serve it with some guacamole, sour cream, or salsa on the side for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re looking to make it a full Mexican feast, a side of Mexican rice or refried beans would complement the dish perfectly.

Servings: 8 servings

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup water
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
32 oz bag of frozen tater tots
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the fat.

Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened.

In your slow cooker, layer the cooked ground beef mixture, then sprinkle on the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.

Mix together the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Sprinkle half of this cheese mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Place the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.

About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tater tots. Cover and let it cook until the cheese is melted.

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, before serving.

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and double up on the beans. To add a bit of a kick, you can throw in some chopped jalapeños. For a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey for the beef, and use low-fat cheese. You can also add some color and nutrition by throwing in a handful of chopped bell peppers.

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