Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (90/10 lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 15 oz canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz canned whole kernel corn, drained
  • 10 oz canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 0.5 cup smoky BBQ sauce
  • 0.25 cup beef broth
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Brown beef. Sauté the ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat until no pink remains.
  2. Aromatize base. Add diced onion and garlic to the beef, cooking for 3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  3. Season well. Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, letting the spices toast for 30 seconds.
  4. Combine liquids. Pour in the BBQ sauce and beef broth, stirring until the mixture is glossy.
  5. Add vegetables. Fold in the drained pinto beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
  6. Transfer mixture. Pour the beef and vegetable base into the bottom of your slow cooker.
  7. Layer tots. Arrange the 32 oz of frozen tater tots in a single, tight layer over the beef.
  8. Slow cook. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours until the edges are bubbling.
  9. Melt cheese. Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar over the tots and cover for 10 minutes until the cheese is velvety.
  10. Rest dish. Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.