Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a comforting and indulgent dish, look no further than this delicious ground beef and tater tots recipe. Combining savory seasoned beef with crispy tater tots and melty cheese, this dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to be a hit!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2-pound bag tater tots, cooked
1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Enjoy this hearty dish topped with your favorite extras like salsa or guacamole for an added punch of flavor!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to broil on high.
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large pan over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Brown the Beef
Break up the ground beef as it cooks, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Prepare the Tater Tots
Spread the cooked tater tots evenly on a 9×13-inch baking sheet.
Add the Beef Mixture
Top the tater tots with the cooked ground beef mixture, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the beef layer.
Broil the Dish
Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
Serve the Dish
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as salsa and guacamole.
Notes
Ground Beef Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to use other types of cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella if Colby Jack is unavailable.
Customizing Spice Levels
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Topping Suggestions
Consider adding diced tomatoes, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Cook techniques
Ground Beef Preparation
Cooking ground beef requires breaking it apart as it browns to ensure even cooking. Always stir occasionally to avoid sticking and burning.
Seasoning
Introducing spices like garlic powder, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes during the cooking process enhances the flavor of the beef. Make sure to mix them well for uniform seasoning.
Layering Tater Tots
To achieve a crispy texture, spread the cooked tater tots evenly across the baking sheet before adding the toppings. This ensures that they cook evenly under the broiler.
Broiling Cheese
When melting cheese, broiling provides a high heat to achieve a bubbly and golden finish. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Colby Jack cheese with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for different flavors.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ground beef mixture and tater tots in advance. Assemble and broil just before serving for the best results.
How do I know when the cheese is melted?
The cheese is ready when it is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden in color.
What type of ground meat can I use instead of beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat alternatives if preferred. Adjust cooking time according to the meat’s specifications.
Conclusion
This delicious and hearty dish combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with crispy tater tots and gooey Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it hot and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Beef Nacho Tater Tot Bake
Layer seasoned ground beef over tater tots, topped with jalapeños, black olives, and a generous amount of melted cheese for a nacho-inspired twist.
BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Replace ground beef with shredded BBQ chicken, add some red onion, and cover with cheese for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Delight
Swap ground beef for a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, topped with cheese for a hearty vegetarian option.
Tex-Mex Tater Tot Bake
Incorporate black beans and corn into the beef layer, and top with cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for a flavorsome Mexican-inspired dish.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef, add scrambled eggs, and top with cheese for a filling brunch option that everyone will love.
