Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Beef Mixture

01 - 680 grams ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon paprika
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 425 grams tomato sauce
10 - 60 millilitres ketchup
11 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
12 - 60 millilitres barbecue sauce

→ Topping

13 - 200 grams Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded
14 - 800 grams frozen tater tots or crispy crowns
15 - 1 tablespoon dried parsley, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 200°C. Ensure a large oven-safe skillet is ready.
02 - Heat skillet over medium-high and cook ground beef with chopped onion for approximately 8 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles and stirring often until beef is browned.
03 - Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir well and sauté for 2 minutes to fully bloom the spices.
04 - Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and barbecue sauce. Stir to combine thoroughly. Reduce heat to low and allow mixture to simmer gently for at least 3 minutes, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Evenly distribute freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese across the surface of the beef mixture.
06 - Place the frozen tater tots or crispy crowns in neat rows over the cheese, overlapping slightly to cover completely.
07 - Transfer skillet to the centre rack of the oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until the tater tots are golden and crisp and the sauce is bubbling at the edges.
08 - Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with dried parsley and serve hot.

# Notes:

01 - Keep tater tots frozen until baking to achieve optimal crispiness.
02 - For enhanced flavour, ensure the beef reaches a deep brown before adding sauces.
03 - Freshly shredded cheese will melt more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
04 - Ground turkey or plant-based mince can be substituted for a lighter or vegetarian option.
05 - Cheddar or pepper jack cheese can replace Colby Jack if preferred.
06 - Modify the barbecue sauce amount or add hot sauce to adjust intensity.
07 - Tomato soup can substitute for tomato sauce if needed.

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