1lbground beefyou can also use turkey if you prefer
1medium onionchopped
1can of corndrained
1can of kidney beansdrained and rinsed
1can of cream of mushroom soupor cream of chicken if you prefer
1packet of taco seasoningor use your own homemade mix
2cupsshredded cheddar cheese
1bag of frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Once it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), drain any excess fat. Then, toss in the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it’s soft and translucent.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Now, stir in the taco seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. You’ll want to mix it well to coat the meat and onions with all that flavorful seasoning. Add the can of drained corn and kidney beans, and stir everything together.
Step 3: Add the Cream of Mushroom Soup
Here’s where things get creamy! Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup. This will give the casserole a nice, rich base. Mix everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, just to make sure everything is heated through.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef mixture into a baking dish. You want to make sure it’s spread out evenly across the bottom. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top—because, let’s be real, cheese makes everything better.
Now comes the fun part: the tater tots. Arrange them in a single layer over the cheesy beef mixture. Don’t worry if they don’t fit perfectly—that’s part of the charm! It’s going to bake up into a crispy, golden topping.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pop the casserole in a preheated 400°F oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. The cheese will be bubbly and melty, which means it’s time to pull it out of the oven and enjoy!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once it’s done baking, let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, top it with some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a little burst of color and flavor.