So this would be my spin on the classic Tator Tot Hot dish as some may call it. I use a red sauce instead of a cream sauce because that is just how I like it I guess. That is the best part of cooking you can do what you want as long as it is yummy. I use a cast iron when available (10 to 12 inch pan) so that this is a one pan dish, but you can also transfer to a cake pan and bake as well.
Recipe
1 lb Ground Beef
1 small red onion (or any onion)
1 Tbsp minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
6 oz Frozen Mixed vegetables (about half bag)
6 oz Tomato Paste (small can)
28 oz Tomato Sauce (medium can)
1 tsp paprika
1 packet Taco seasoning
1 bag Tator Tots (you might have extra depending on pan)
1 bag Cheddar Cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to temp instructed for tator tot preparation. Mine called for 425 degrees.
Step 1: Start browning the beef in a pan on medium heat. I also added the onion right away just to make sure that the onion gets a nice cook. Lightly season the meat and onions with salt and pepper at this stage. I only did a small pinch since you will be seasoning it more in the next steps.
Step 2: Once the meat is cooked through completely add the minced garlic. I wait until this point so that the garlic does not burn. Add the mixed vegetables at this point and let them cook for a few minutes until thawed. They are going to bake in the oven so you can move to the next step once you feel the veggies are cooked enough.
Step 3: I added the taco seasoning at this point and water per the seasoning packet instructions. I also added a little paprika because I wanted a little kick, but this is optional. once the taco seasoning is mixed in with the beef and veggies go ahead and add the tomato paste and sauce. You can turn the heat down to low at this point because the sauce will be bubbling. It should be a pretty thick mix at this point and for me that was Ok. If you feel that you would like it saucier add some more water to thin out. Also give it a taste and add more Salt and Pepper. My taco seasoning had some salt in it, but I did add another pinch at this stage
Step 4: Stir slowly to incorporate all ingredients in the pan, once everything looks combined you can remove the pan from the heat. If you are using a cast iron it is time to add the tator tots. Simply lay them on top of the mix until the entire pan is covered.
Step 5: Bake in preheated oven for time instructed for tator tot preparation. My tots called for 25 minutes so that is how long I baked the casserole. At the 25 minute mark I carefully removed the pan from the oven and covered in cheddar cheese. Then put the pan back in the oven and used my broil setting on the oven to brown the cheese. This took about 3 minutes but can vary oven to oven so watch closely. Once the cheese is browned remove from the oven and let sit about 10 minutes before serving.
I like this recipe because it is a one pan recipe and it can also be changed around to match your favorite taste. You could switch up the veggies and even use your favorite tomato sauce to have your own twist. Definitely give this dish a try and let me know what you think. Post your creation to IG using #crazytopskitchen.
Thanks!
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