Comforting Family Meal (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Beef Filling
01 -
1 cup chopped yellow onions
02 -
1 lb ground turkey or lean ground beef
03 -
½ tbsp each of onion powder and garlic powder
04 -
0.87 oz packet of beef gravy mix
05 -
12 oz can of corn, liquid included
06 -
½ tsp black pepper
07 -
½ cup water
08 -
½ tsp salt
→ For the Potato Layer
09 -
2 tbsp butter (or margarine)
10 -
4 oz box of instant mashed potatoes
11 -
1 ½ cups water
12 -
½ cup milk
→ For the Crispy Topping
13 -
2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and mozzarella)
14 -
28 oz frozen tater tots
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by turning the oven to 425°F. Warm up a bit of butter or margarine in a big skillet over medium-high heat.
02 -
Drop the ground meat into the skillet and break it apart while cooking. Once it starts browning, toss in the chopped onions. Cook till the onions are soft and the meat is no longer pink.
03 -
Mix the corn (don’t drain it), water, gravy mix, and seasonings into the pan. Combine everything thoroughly.
04 -
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the seasoned beef mix evenly in it.
05 -
Boil 1 ½ cups water with butter in a pot. Take it off the heat, stir in the potato flakes and milk, and let it sit. Stir to smooth it out after a minute.
06 -
Over the beef, smoothly spread the mashed potatoes in an even layer.
07 -
Place the frozen tater tots neatly on the potatoes, forming a single layer.
08 -
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes to crisp up the tots.
09 -
Pull the dish out, sprinkle the shredded cheese blend on top, and bake for another 4-6 minutes till the cheese melts and browns a bit.
10 -
Take it out of the oven and let it cool down for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm!
# Notes:
01 -
Lighten it up with ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.
02 -
Add frozen veggies like carrots, peas, or green beans for extra nutrients.
03 -
Prep ahead of time and store in the fridge. Add 5 minutes when baking.
04 -
Switch up the flavor by using Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack cheeses.