This Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is the best of both worlds: perfectly spicy and homey while being a healthier version of the more classic casserole!See the notes below to make this recipe in a baking dish or make it a one-dish recipe by baking in a cast-iron skillet.
1large sweet pepperred, orange, or yellow, seeded and diced
1poundground turkeypreferably 90-93% lean
1cupsalsa
1, 15oz.can black beans or pinto beansdrained and rinsed
2cupsreduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 ½cupsfrozen tater tots
Taco toppings: sour cream,extra cheese, cilantro, black olives, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, etc.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a small bowl combine the chili powder, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a 12" cast iron or another non-stick skillet over medium or medium-high heat, or until the oil sputters when flicked with water.
Add the onion and sweet pepper to the skillet and saute for 4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds or so, or until the onions are translucent and the peppers are softening.
Add the turkey and bowl of seasonings to the onions and peppers and saute for 4-5 minutes, stirring and breaking up the turkey as you cook, or until the turkey is crumbled and cooked through and the mixture is fragrant.
Add the salsa and drained beans to the turkey mixture and stir until combined. Bring the ingredients to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring every 1-2 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is thickened.
Remove the pan from the heat. If using a cast-iron skillet, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the turkey and then scatter the tater tots evenly on top (there should be about 1" gaps between them). If using a non-stick or non-oven safe skillet, pour the turkey into a greased 8 x 13" baking dish and sprinkle evenly with cheese and then tater tots.
Bake the casserole for 22-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tater tots are crispy. Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite taco toppings!
Notes
Storing: Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for 4-5 days.
Freezing: Leftovers do not freeze well.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but you may want to double-check the tater tots for wheat ingredients.
Note:To make this recipe without a cast-iron skillet, cook up the turkey and beans in a large non-stick skillet and then pour them into a greased 8 x 13" pan before layering the cheese and tater tots on top. Bake as directed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/8 of casserole without any extra taco toppingsCalories: 454kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 28gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 979mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3g
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