4 months ago

Tex-Mex Tater Tot Hotdish

This scrumptious Tex-Mex Tater Tot Hotdish from Twin Cities food blogger greens & chocolate is a fun and festive alternative to the traditional tater tot casserole. Taco seasoning and enchilada sauce provide that quintessential Tex-Mex flavor, making this a perfect recipe for a midweek switch-up. Bonus: You can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready! 

I love a traditional tater tot hotdish, but it’s fun to switch things up every once in a while, especially as a family that eats tater tot hotdish at least every two weeks during the winter — we need some variety!

This Tex-Mex Tater Tot Hotdish definitely fits that requirement. Not only is it super easy to make, it’s filled with so much flavor! The filling is made with ground turkey, onion, bell pepper and corn, along with taco seasoning and enchilada sauce for that Tex-Mex flavor. Oh, and don’t forget a ton of cheese for the ooey-gooey factor. This time around, I topped our casserole with fresh chopped cilantro, but avocado, sour cream and green onions are also delicious options.

If you’re wondering if you can prep the whole casserole in advance, the answer is “absolutely!” I love making a double batch of this Tex-Mex Tater Tot Hotdish. You can bake one batch right away and freeze the other for the next time the craving strikes. So, in like a week!

4-6 Servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground turkey (or ground beef)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 white onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
2 cups frozen corn
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
32 ounces frozen tater tots

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 375 F.
  2. In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the turkey and heat over medium. 
  3. Cook the turkey until browned, breaking it up into smaller chunks as it cooks.
  4. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, along with the bell pepper and onion. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Add the taco seasoning, along with ¼ cup of water, stirring well to combine.
  6. Add the enchilada sauce, frozen corn and cheese, stir to combine.
  7. Transfer the turkey mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the tater tots.
  8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the mixture is bubbling and the tater tots are golden brown.
  9. Serve topped with fresh chopped cilantro and enjoy! 
Tex-Mex Tater Tot Hotdish