Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium taco seasoning
  • 10 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained well
  • 0.5 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Note: This high heat is vital for turning the potato starch into a crispy shell.
  2. In a large 12 inch oven safe skillet over medium high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it into crumbles and let it sit undisturbed for 3 minutes until you smell a rich, roasted aroma and see a mahogany crust.
  3. Add the diced yellow onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and smell sweet.
  4. Stir in the taco seasoning, drained fire roasted tomatoes, and black beans. Note: Draining the tomatoes is the most important step to prevent a watery base.
  5. Arrange the frozen tater tots in tight, vertical rows across the top. You should hear a faint sizzle as the frozen tots touch the warm beef mixture.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the tots are golden brown and shattering crisp.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned at the edges.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. The aroma should be a mix of toasted potato and warm spices.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately while the crunch is at its peak.