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Taco Hot Dish

Serves: An army… or one tired adult for several glorious days Vibe: Cozy, forgiving, unapologetically cheesy Ingredients
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey if that’s your thing
  • 1 small onion finely diced (or onion powder if we’re being honest)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup salsa pureed smooth (solidarity for the anti-chunk crowd)
  • 1 cup frozen corn optional, but adds color and a whisper of nutrition
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese divided
  • 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings for serving:
  • Sour cream
  • A sprinkling of cillantro
  • Sliced Jalapeño if you’re looking for some spice
  • Hot sauce because we’re adults and we deserve joy

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and feel productive already.
  2. Brown the meat. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed (or don’t—no judgment).
  3. Season generously. Add garlic and taco seasoning to the skillet, stir, then pour in the water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened and saucy.
  4. Add the “veggies.”
  5. Stir in the black beans, pureed salsa, and corn if using. Taste and season with salt and pepper. At this point, it should smell like you absolutely made the right decision.
  6. Assemble the hot dish. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Arrange the tater tots on top in neat little rows if you’re feeling calm—or just dump them on if you’re not.
  7. Bake. Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the tots are golden and crispy.
  8. Cheese it up. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top and return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
  9. Rest (the dish, not you). Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This is important for both structural integrity and personal safety.