Time: 45 minutes
Feeds: 2 people
Ingredients:
- 1/2 bag frozen tater tots (we prefer Crispy Crowns aka the flat ones)
- 1 pound ground meat
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- 1 can black beans, undrained
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of dried oregano
- Smallest pinch of MSG (optional)
- 1 package Queso Chihuahua
- Salsa, to garnish if desired
- Sour cream, to garnish if desired
Directions: Preheat the oven according to package directions on the tater tots. Once the oven is heated, place the tots on a parchment lined baking tray and place in the oven. Cook according to package directions and prep the rest of the ingredients while the tots are cooking.
Although this step is completely optional, I like to doctor my beans a bit for extra flavor. Add canned black beans with the juices to a small saucepan. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and dried oregano to the beans and heat on medium. I also will sometimes add the smallest pinch (usually no more than an 1/8 teaspoon) of MSG to the beans as well as they can take the salt and sometimes need that deeper umami flavor. Simmer for at least 5 minutes to let the flavors come together. Remove from heat and set aside for assembly.
Add the ground meat to a sautée pan over medium heat and break up into smaller pieces. Continue cooking until browned slightly and cooked through. Add the packet of taco seasoning and 1 cup of water. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and set aside when finished.
On the same baking tray that you used to cook the tater tots, make sure they’re in a single layer and start making your tot-chos! Get the broiler heating and layer meat, beans, and cheese until you’re happy with the toppings. Return the tray to the oven under the broiler and remove once the cheese is melted and just starting to brown. After the tot-chos come out of the oven, add any other toppings you might light including salsa, sour cream, etc. We like to eat these right off of the tray!