Ground Beef Cheesy BBQ Tater Tots
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- 1 (28 ounce) package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional toppings: green onions, sour cream, jalapenos
Step-by-Step
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
4. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
5. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour in BBQ sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
8. While the meat mixture is simmering, prepare the tater tots according to package directions. This usually involves baking them on a baking sheet.
9. Once the tater tots are cooked and slightly crispy, remove them from the oven.
10. Spread the cooked tater tots evenly on a large baking sheet or in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
11. Top the tater tots with the BBQ ground beef mixture, spreading it evenly.
12. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef mixture.
13. Return the baking sheet or dish to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
15. Garnish with optional toppings like green onions, sour cream, or jalapenos, if desired.
16. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Building the Perfect BBQ Tater Tot Base
H3: Selecting the Right Tater Tots
Choosing the correct tater tots is surprisingly crucial. Standard frozen tater tots work perfectly. Consider crispy crowns or even sweet potato tots for a unique twist.
Ensure the tater tots are thoroughly cooked before adding the toppings. Soggy tots are no one’s friend.
H3: Achieving Optimal Crispiness
Crispy tater tots provide the perfect textural contrast to the saucy beef and melted cheese. Bake them according to package instructions. Consider adding a few minutes for extra crispiness.
Air frying is another excellent option for achieving maximum crispness.
H3: Layering for Success
Arrange the cooked tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. This ensures even coverage with the toppings. Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Consider lining your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Crafting the Ultimate BBQ Ground Beef
H3: Choosing the Best Ground Beef
Lean ground beef is a good choice. This minimizes excess grease. 80/20 ground beef offers a richer flavor but requires more draining.
Ground turkey or chicken are alternatives for a lighter option.
H3: Seasoning and Flavor Enhancement
Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasoning. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder are excellent starting points. Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the level of spice.
A touch of brown sugar or molasses in the BBQ sauce can add depth of flavor.
H3: The Importance of Draining Grease
Draining excess grease is essential for preventing a greasy final product. Use a colander or spoon to remove the grease after browning the beef. This step significantly improves the overall taste and texture.
Choosing the Right Cheese and BBQ Sauce
H3: Cheese Selection for Maximum Melt
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices for their meltability. Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are also great options. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
H3: The BBQ Sauce Makes All the Difference
Your favorite BBQ sauce is key. Sweet, smoky, or tangy – the choice is yours. Experiment with different brands and flavors to find your perfect match. Consider a vinegar-based sauce for a tangy kick.
Homemade BBQ sauce adds a personal touch and allows for customization of flavors.
H3: Cheese and BBQ Sauce Pairings
Consider how the cheese and BBQ sauce flavors complement each other. A smoky BBQ sauce pairs well with sharp cheddar. A sweeter sauce might benefit from the mild flavor of Monterey Jack.
Variations and Add-ins
H3: Spicy Kick Options
For those who like heat, add diced jalapenos to the ground beef mixture or as a topping. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will also do the trick.
Consider using Pepper Jack cheese for an extra layer of spice.
H3: Vegetarian Adaptations
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives. Ensure the substitute is well-seasoned to mimic the flavor of beef. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, if the sauce calls for it.
H3: Creative Topping Ideas
Think beyond the basics. Crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, pickled onions, avocado slices, or a drizzle of ranch dressing can add exciting new dimensions to your tater tots. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning can also elevate the flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
H3: Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ground Beef Cheesy BBQ Tater Tots immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted. These are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game day, or a casual weeknight meal. Serve with a side salad or coleslaw for a more complete meal.
H3: Reheating Instructions
Reheat leftover tater tots in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness. Microwaving is not recommended, as it can make the tater tots soggy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
H3: Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the BBQ ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the tater tots just before serving to maintain their crispness. Assemble and bake as directed when ready to serve. This makes for easy party preparation.
FAQ
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce! Sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy – it’s entirely up to your preference.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great choices, but Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend also work well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative. Make sure to season it well.
How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?
Ensure the tater tots are fully cooked and crispy before adding the toppings. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Get creative with your toppings. Crumbled bacon, jalapenos, green onions, and sour cream are all great options.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
While technically possible, freezing and thawing can affect the texture of the tater tots. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results. Microwaving is not recommended.
What if I don’t have an oven?
You can use an air fryer to cook both the tater tots and the final dish. Alternatively, cook the tater tots in a skillet and then assemble the dish in the same skillet on the stovetop.
Can I use sweet potato tater tots?
Yes, sweet potato tater tots can be a delicious and unique twist on this recipe.
