And Clinton’s Tater Tot Taco Pizza for the WIN!
ingredients
TATER TOT TACO PIZZA
1 32- ounce bag frozen tater tots (thawed)
1 egg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion (peeled, small dice)
2 cloves garlic (peeled, minced)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
SPICY QUESO DIP:
1 small white onion (very finely diced)
1/2 red bell pepper (top removed, seeded, finely minced)
2-3 jalapenos (stems removed, seeded, minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1 pound yellow American cheese (shredded)
8 ounces pepper jack cheese (shredded)
1 cup iceberg lettuce (shredded)
1 tomato (diced)
1/4 cup pickled jalapeno slices
1/4 cup cilantro
1/2 cup sour cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
directions
Preheat oven to 400ºF.
Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat. While pan is being preheated, lightly pulse tater tots in food processor about three times, or until just barely broken up. Remove tater tots to a large bowl and stir in flour and egg, mixing until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste
Once the pan is very hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and press the crumbled tater tot mixture evenly into the pan using a rubber spatula, creating a crust that comes about an inch up the side of the pan. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden. Set aside.
Heat a saute pan over medium-high heat and warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 7-8 minutes. Add the onion and garlic during the last 5 minutes of cooking and cook until just tender. Drain fat from meat, if necessary.
In the pan with the beef, add the chili powder and cumin, stirring to fully incorporate spice mixture. Cook until the spices have toasted and are fragrant, about 2 minutes. Cook until most of the moisture has evaporated from the pan, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to top “pizza” crust.
For the Spicy Queso Dip: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and a generous pinch of salt, cooking until very soft, about 5-6 minutes. Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Add the cheese, stirring continuously, until it has melted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To Assemble:
Spread the ground beef mixture on top of the cooked tater tot crust. Ladle the queso on top of the ground beef, then top with the lettuce, tomato, and jalapenos. Garnish with the sour cream and cilantro. Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Tip: Make it a pizza party! Have your friends supply their favorite toppings and create exciting versions of the tater tot pizza!
