Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 cup beef bone broth
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 32 oz frozen extra crispy tater tots
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, minced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until a dark crust forms. Add diced onions and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 60 seconds. Drain excess fat and transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour for 2 minutes to create a golden roux. Slowly whisk in milk and beef broth, simmering until the sauce thickens. Stir in smoked paprika and 0.5 cup of the cheddar cheese until smooth.
  4. Pour the cheese sauce over the beef mixture in the baking dish and stir gently to combine.
  5. Arrange frozen tater tots in tight, vertical rows across the top. Bake on the top oven rack for 30–35 minutes until the tots are deeply golden and crispy.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the tots. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes until melted. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.