Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is made with Mexican braised chicken, fajita peppers, and binding it all together is a queso cheese sauce.With Tater Tots on top it can’t get much better!

It seems in certain parts of the States, this is called a hot dish.

Well, it is a hot dish and it is topped with Tater Tots and apparently that is what makes this different than a casserole.

But not everyone knows what a hot dish is, so casserole, this has become. Which it is! OMG! What a circle.

I ate many a hot dish growing up but they weren’t in my mother’s kitchen; except for her artichoke chicken casserole that is still a family favorite.

Many casseroles were consumed when accompanying my dad as he campaigned for a local county office. He dragged his kids around as he shook hands and smiled.

We ate. And usually it was quite good; prepared lovingly for the church supper for whatever event they were celebrating.

I remember eating at big long tables and helping ourselves to giant buffets. However they did not contain Mexican Tater Tot casserole!

And the desserts were always my favorite.

Having a favorite casserole dish to prepare is perfect when entertaining.

Casseroles are usually made ahead and baked when needed. They can be frozen and ready when you need them.

Since it is just the two of us, I can make a regular size recipe and freeze half, which gives me an extra meal for the price of one.

Somehow with Cinco de Mayo looming I had this chicken fajita idea in my head.

But I’ll be honest. I don’t like many of the Mexican casseroles that are churned out because often they are made with tortillas which often turn soggy in a casserole I only like soggy tortillas when they are in chilaquiles.

Hence the Tater Tots. Everything tastes good with Tater Tots.

Many casseroles contain canned soups. I also am not a fan of canned soups though I do use them especially when making the artichoke casserole above.

I am not above conveniences when the end product turns out great.

I do however draw the line at using them often, given that many have additives and lots of salt. Well this casserole is a combo of things that are packaged and not.

Feel free to create your own version and if it involves a rotisserie chicken or canned soup or jarred queso, I won’t tell.

However I will tell you that this braised chicken is very simple. It can be used in tacos or enchiladas and on quesadillas.

I like the added flavor that it supplies in this hot dish! But feel free to sub in a rotisserie chicken.

I also made my own cheese sauce but a can of cheese soup or even a jar of queso will work just fine.

The idea is that this should be easy. And filling. And perfect food for the accompanying Margarita.

Besides, let’s face it…Anything with Tater Tots is a bonus in my book.

Here are some ideas of things to serve with this hot dish:
Mexican Slaw with Mango and Avocado from Cookin’ Canuck
Mexican Street Corn Salad from Princess Pinky Girl
Mexican Cucumber Salad from Give Recipe

And some more:
Mexican Poblano Cheese Casserole

Hearts of Palm, Avocado and Orange Salad

Orange Bitters Margarita (THE BEST)

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