Ingredients
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 c. medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 lb. ground beef
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 c. low-sodium chicken broth
2 c. grated cheddar, divided
1 1/2 c. frozen peas
1 1/2 c. frozen corn
1 lb. frozen tater tots
3 slices cooked bacon, cut into 1/2" strips
Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 425º. In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onions and cook until softened, 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper. Step 2Add ground beef and break up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, 6 minutes. Drain fat from skillet and return to heat. Step 3Add cayenne and flour and stir for 1 minute. Pour in broth, then bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Fold in 1 cup cheese, peas, and corn.Step 4Transfer meat mixture to a 9"-x-13" baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup cheese and scatter tater tots and bacon in a single layer over the beef filling. Bake until cheese is melted and tots are golden, 27 to 30 minutes.Step 5Let rest for 2 to 3 minutes and garnish with scallions before serving.
Tater tot casserole is probably the best way to show off these little potato nuggets, and it is a total guilty pleasure. If you’re trying to lighten it up, ground turkey or chicken would be a delicious swap out for the beef. If you’re really being good (we’re impressed!) top the casserole with zucchini tater tots in place of the potato variety. Are you an under cover tater tot lover? Then you GOTTA try our tater tot grilled cheese, AKA the best drunk food ever.
