Recipe: Tater-tot Casserole

[Dark Silver]

A simple Recipe for those with only a hour or so to cook, but want something filling. It is similar to a Shepards Pie, but doesn't take quiet the time. I obtained the recipe from my God-mother a couple years back, and have been trying to refine it here and there since.

Prep time - 15-25 minutes
Cooking Time - 30 minutes
Serves - 4 - 6 people (depending on serving size)

{ Ingrediants }
1 pound ground meat (prefer ground chuck/beef, but others could be substituted/added)
1 - 16oz jar "nacho" cheese (Velveta also works)
1 - 16oz Jar Salsa (hotness to preference)
1 - oz can Rotel Tomatoes and peppers (choice of hotness)
1 - 1 pound bag of tater tots (pre-frozen)

{ Hardware Required }
1 - medium skillet / sauce pan
1 - spoon/heat resistant spatula
1 - strainer (thin slit)
1 - mixing bowl (optional)
1 - 6"x8" baking pan (ceremic/glass preferable, metal workable)


{ Steps }

Brown ground meat in skillet/pan, seasoning to flavour. Drain grease from meat and set aside for disposal.

Warm cheese in microwave or stovetop till semi fluid.

Combine meat, cheese, salsa and Rotel in bowl, mixing thoroughly.

Grease baking pan with method of choice (spray on cooking stuff is fine here), spread tater-tots on pan in a single layer.

Spread meat cheese and salsa mixture over layer of tater-tots, spreading evenly with spatula.

Bake on 350°F for approx thirty minutes (or until tater-tots are done).

Remove from oven, serve warm.


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I've heard no complaints everytime I've made the dish for people whose never had it before. It comes out something like a Shepard's pie, but it isn't.

If you try it, let me know what you think - any suggestions to improve upon it in look/flavour department is always welcome.