Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium high heat. Note: Wait until the oil shimmers before adding meat.
  2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until the meat is mahogany colored and no longer pink.
  3. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3–5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and smoked paprika.
  5. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef heavily.
  6. Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  8. Spread the thickened beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Note: Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
  9. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
  10. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, tight layer across the top and brush them with melted butter.
  11. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the tater tots are crisp and golden.
  12. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven briefly until the cheese is melted and bubbling.