Taco-Tater Tot Casserole

Tonight I decided to try something different.  I knew I wanted some kind of "comfort food" but I couldn't put my finger on it.  Then I was browsing Pinterest and found some ideas for tater tots casserole.  Then I started brainstorming ways to change it so my family will like it!  Long story short, I came up with a Mexican version!   I'm calling it Taco-Tater Tot Casserole!  This is one of my favorite dinners I've made in a long time.  It definitely has the comfort food factor.  I served mine with a store bought Southwestern Salad kit and some corn with a little chili-lime seasoning from Trader Joe's!  

Taco-Tater Tot Casserole

1-2lb ground beef

1Tbs Onion Powder

1Tbs Garlic Powder

Salt & Pepper

1 packet taco seasoning 

1 can red enchilada sauce

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

2cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 bag frozen tater tots

2cups pepperjack cheese

1. Preheat your oven to 375° and grease a 9x13 casserole dish.  Brown the beef on the stove, drain, and then add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt & pepper. Then add the diced tomatoes as well as the enchilada sauce and taco seasoning. 

2. Pour meat mix into prepared baking dish.  Top with the cheddar cheese.  Then layer the tater tots on top of cheese.  Bake, uncovered, for 30-45 mins.  Then top with the pepperjack cheese and bake for another 10 minutes. 

*Side note*

You can add corn or black beans to your meat mixture as it's cooking!