John Wayne Casserole with Tater Tots

This hearty and flavorful John Wayne Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish. The creamy cream cheese mixture, combined with the savory ground beef, crispy tater tots, and a blend of cheeses, creates a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook tater tots: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thawed tater tots and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare ground beef mixture: In the same skillet, cook the lean ground beef, diced onion, and diced green pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add corn and salsa: Stir in the canned corn and chunky salsa, mixing until well combined. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the Herbs and Chives cream cheese, Miracle Whip, and onion powder until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble casserole: Spread half of the cooked tater tots in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining tater tots, ground beef mixture, and cream cheese mixture.
7. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese blend and Monterey Jack cheese with Jalapeño peppers over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.