Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy comfort food dish, look no further! This recipe combines the savory flavors of ground beef and spices with crispy tater tots and gooey cheese, making for a delightful meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to please. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started!
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 people
Instructions
1. Set your oven to broil on high.
2. In a large pan over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes.
3. Break up the ground beef as it cooks, continuing until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
4. Spread the cooked tater tots on a 9×13-inch baking sheet.
5. Top the tater tots with the cooked ground beef and shredded cheese.
6. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as salsa and guacamole.
Enjoy this scrumptious dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set 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, continuing until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Prepare the Tater Tots
Spread the cooked tater tots on a 9×13-inch baking sheet.
Add Toppings
Top the tater tots with the cooked ground beef and shredded cheese.
Broil the Dish
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
Serve
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as salsa and guacamole.
Notes
Storage Suggestions
Leftover loaded tater tots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or reheat in the microwave for a quick option.
Customization Options
Feel free to add additional toppings like diced tomatoes, green onions, or sour cream according to your preference.
Cook techniques
Cooking Ground Beef
Cooking ground beef requires medium-high heat. Use a large pan and constantly break up the meat with a spatula as it browns to ensure even cooking. Cook until it’s fully browned, with no pink remaining. This typically takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain excess grease after cooking to make the dish less greasy.
Seasoning
Seasoning is crucial for flavor. In this recipe, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes are added to the beef while cooking. Stir the spices in well to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the meat.
Preparing Tater Tots
Using pre-cooked tater tots saves time. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each tot for even crisping. This will create a satisfying texture under the melted cheese and beef.
Broiling
Broiling is a high-heat cooking method that quickly melts cheese, creating a bubbly top. When using the broiler, keep a close eye on the dish as it can go from perfectly melted to burnt very quickly. Broil until the cheese is completely melted, usually about 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
When serving, consider providing toppings like salsa and guacamole. These can enhance the flavors and add freshness to the dish. Personalize each serving according to preference for a delightful experience.
FAQ
How can I prevent the ground beef from becoming greasy?
Make sure to drain any excess grease after cooking the beef. Use leaner ground beef to start with, as it contains less fat.
Can I use frozen tater tots?
Yes, you can use frozen tater tots. Just ensure they are cooked according to the package instructions before assembling the dish.
What can I substitute for Colby Jack cheese?
You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with other types of cheese such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for similar flavor profiles.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture, as microwaving may make the tater tots soggy.
Can I add other toppings or ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other toppings such as green onions, sour cream, or jalapeños. You can also mix in vegetables or beans for added nutrition.
Conclusion
This savory dish of tater tots topped with flavorful ground beef and melted cheese is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. The combination of spices adds a delightful kick, while the crispy texture of the tater tots pairs beautifully with the rich beef and gooey cheese. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, complemented by your favorite toppings for a complete meal.
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