Oh so Creamy, Oh so Cheesy Taco Tot Casserole

Submitted by cookingpompom

"Need a fast dinner to whip up (under an hour), that the kids (big and small) will happily eat? Add more cheese if desired to topping, serve as is or with rice and/or salad. Add more veggies or canned mexi-beans, refried beans or whatever Tex-Mex ingredients you have in the pantry to personalise this recipe."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1⁄2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup corn, frozen
• 1⁄2 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups prepared salsa
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1⁄2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 lb tater tots
• 3 cups grated cheese

directions

1. In a hot skillet scramble fry the onion, minced beef and garlic - breaking up all lumps.
2. Reduce the heat to 50% and add the vegetables, make sure they are chopped rather small (mexi-beans or kidney beans can be added if you so wish to this stage) and taco seasoning, fry for another 2-4 of minutes (until the taco seasoning become fragrant).
3. Pour meat mixture into a greased 20x20 inch ceramic/pyrex casserole dish with high sides.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the salsa, sour cream and creamed cheese (which has been well softened) and pour over the meat.
5. Place tater tots over creamy mixture in a single layer all over (my son loves this job). Top with cheese (he likes this job too).
6. Bake at 375oF (180oC) for 30 minutes.
7. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.