John Wayne Casserole with Tater Tots Recipe
This hearty and flavorful casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal inspired by the classic American Western actor, John Wayne. The combination of tater tots, ground beef, salsa, and cheese creates a comforting and satisfying dish.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tater tots | 800g |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Lean ground beef | 2 lbs |
| Onion, diced | 1 yellow |
| Green pepper, diced | 1 |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Corn | 1 can |
| Chunky salsa | 5 cups |
| Herbs and Chives cream cheese | 8 oz |
| Miracle Whip | 1/2 cup |
| Onion powder | 1/2 tbsp |
| Shredded cheddar cheese blend | 1 cup |
| Monterey Jack cheese with Jalapeño peppers | 1 cup |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook tater tots: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add thawed tater tots and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare ground beef mixture: In the same skillet, cook lean ground beef, diced onion, and diced green pepper until beef is browned and vegetables are softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add corn and salsa: Stir in canned corn and chunky salsa. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together Herbs and Chives cream cheese, Miracle Whip, and onion powder.
- Assemble casserole: Spread half of the cooked tater tots in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese blend and Monterey Jack cheese with Jalapeño peppers.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
