Welcome to What’s Cookin’, Hazlehurst?, a new weekly feature from Hazlehurst Now!
Each Wednesday, HN will bring you a recipe chosen with the season — and busy families — in mind. We’ll feature everything from easy weeknight suppers and Southern favorites to game-day food, slow-cooker meals and, of course, something sweet every now and then.
For our first trip into the HN kitchen, we’re kicking things off with a meal that combines two family favorites: tacos and crispy tater tots.
Taco Tater Tot Casserole
Cheesy, hearty and easy to put together, this casserole makes a great weeknight supper and can be customized with your family’s favorite taco toppings.
Prep Time: About 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese, divided
- 1 bag (about 28–32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños or shredded lettuce.
Directions
1. Heat the oven.
Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the beef.
Cook the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease.
3. Add the taco flavor.
Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
4. Build the filling.
Stir the black beans, corn and drained tomatoes with green chilies into the beef mixture. Spread everything evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. Make it cheesy.
Sprinkle about 1½ cups of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
6. Bring on the tots.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the top.
7. Bake.
Bake uncovered for approximately 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Finish with more cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tots and return the casserole to the oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, then add your favorite taco toppings.
HN Kitchen Tip
Set out bowls of toppings and let everyone finish their own plate. For a little extra kick, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add sliced jalapeños before serving.
What’s Cookin’, Hazlehurst? will be back next Wednesday with another HN Recipe of the Week. Have a favorite family recipe you think we should feature sometime? Send it to donna@hazlehurstnow.com
