![]() ![]() Recently, I wanted to put together a plate of loaded nachos for a football game. Sprinkle with some chile pepper flakes if you want a pop more of heat.This loaded nacho tater tot casserole is very appropriately named because this thing is indeed loaded. Scoop servings onto plates and if desired, and a dollop each of sour cream and guacamole on the side. Remove from the oven, add a scattering of green onions and cilantro over the top.Put back in the oven for about 10 minutes to melt the cheese. Layer on the remaining tater tots, cheese, tomatoes, and green onions. Top with half the cheese, half the tomatoes and half the green onions, and using a slotted spoon, all of the meat. In a 7x11-inch baking dish place half the smashed tater tots.Stir in the beans, salsa, cilantro, garlic, and chile pepper flakes, and cook, stirring, for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and most of the liquid has evaporated. Sprinkle with about 2 tbsp of the remaining taco seasoning. Transfer the meat to a plate lined with paper towels.Break up any clumps to get the finest texture possible. If the meat you are using is in links, remove it from the casing and break up. Meanwhile, cook the pork and onions in a large skillet over medium heat. ![]() Continue baking another 15 to 20 minutes, until browned and crispy. Sprinkle evenly with about half the taco seasoning blend and some pepper. ![]() Remove pan from the oven and using a spatula or the bottom of a glass, smash the tater tots flat. Place tater tots in a single layer on the baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes or until thawed and softened.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you use a bottled salsa, be sure it is a gluten-free version. Ore-Ida tater tots are gluten-free (look for labeling on the package) and McCormick’s and Penzey’s both have gluten-free taco seasoning. Recommended Tools (affiliate links no extra cost to you): If you are reheating leftovers (though I doubt there will be any), warm them in the oven and not the microwave to help them stay as crispy as possible. Scoop servings onto plates and eat with a fork and knife.Layer Tater-Tots, cheese, tomatoes, and green onions top with the meat and repeat the layers return pan to oven to melt the cheese.Cook together the drained meat, beans, salsa, cilantro, garlic, and chile flakes.Sauté pork and onions, breaking up clumps.Partially bake the Tater-Tots, smash them flat and bake until crispy.If you step out of your comfort zone you may surprise yourself! When you need a quick dinner, look around and see what you have that you can put together – maybe in ways you hadn’t thought of before. This is the kind of recipe where you likely have most if not all of the ingredients on hand, either in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer. And be sure they are gluten-free if needed! Bake until brown and crispy, then create the layers as directed. Thaw for a few minutes and spread into the bottom of the baking pan. Have a wonderful weekend ~ see you back here for Chocolate Monday! Key Ingredients for Smashed Tater Tot Nachos:Ĭould I Use Frozen Hash Browns in Place of the Tater-Tots? Just add a tossed green salad and you’re ready to go! While I created these with snacking in mind, they are substantial enough for an easy and fun dinner too. Grab a big spoon and scoop out a generous serving for each person – ! all the plates will be empty in no time. Spoon out large scoops – your crowd will love these! You know I’ve never met a potato that I didn’t love! Cook them for about 15 minutes to soften, smash them flat with a drinking glass (see photo above) and then sprinkle with a Mexican-style seasoning blend. ![]() Replacing the traditional tortilla chips with crispy baked and smashed tater tots adds a new dimension and a fun spin. The foods we ate when we were young always seem to be the most soothing and the ones I turn to when I’m worn out, feeling down, or just need a pick-me-up.įor today’s recipe I thought that tater tots would make a really fun foundation for a favorite game day snack. One bite and we are transported back in time to our childhood, summers at the beach, college days, a favorite party, or holiday traditions. It is still one of my favorite meals when I’ve had a stressful day. I have loved tater tots since childhood when my mom always served them alongside frozen fish sticks. Once the tater tots are partially cooked, you can easily smash them flat with the bottom of a drinking glass. ![]()
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