Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 mix)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, diced finely
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Chilli Powder (Mild)
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce (Smoky or bold)
  • 1/2 cup Beef Broth (Low Sodium)
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can Canned Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can Canned Sweetcorn, drained
  • 5 cups Mature Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • 1 (32 oz) bag Frozen Tater Tots

Instructions:

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened (3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic, paprika, chilli powder, and oregano, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned.
  3. Drain Excess Fat: Carefully tilt the skillet and drain off all excess grease from the beef. This is crucial to prevent the casserole from becoming oily.
  4. Flavour Building: Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen its flavour. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  5. Add Liquids: Pour in the BBQ sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  6. Mix in Remaining Fillings: Gently fold in the drained kidney beans and sweetcorn.
  7. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Spoon the entire beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker insert.
  8. Initial Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the filling is thick and bubbling.
  9. Add Topping: Once the filling is hot, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
  10. Layer the Tater Tots: Immediately arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese.
  11. Final Cook: Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking on HIGH for 60 to 90 minutes. This allows the tater tots to steam through and the cheese to fully melt.
  12. Optional Crisping: For a crispy topping, transfer the contents to an oven-safe dish or use the slow cooker insert (if safe). Place under a preheated broiler (grill) on high for 5-8 minutes, watching constantly, until the tater tots are golden brown and crunchy.
  13. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before scooping out generous portions and serving with fresh garnishes like sour cream or spring onions.