Beef & Tater Bake

Honesty is key. So let's be honest on this one...I had to 'borrow' the magazine pic, because my Beef & Tater Bake just doesn't look as cute and tasty.  This recipe and pic is courtesy of January/February 2010 issue of the Simple & Delicious magazine.  It's actually a submission from a man.  Typical.  Tater tots and beef.  A complete man meal.  A tasty man meal, but nonetheless a man meal.

So let's get to the down to the nitty-gritty so you can make this for your man...

Beef & Tater Beef Bake

4 cups frozen Tater Tots
1 lb ground beef
1 pkg frozen broccoli, thawed
1 can (10-3/4oz) condensed cream of broccoli soup, undiluted
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 can (2.8 oz) french-fried onions
1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1/3 cup milk
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp pepper

• Place Tater Tots in an ungreased 13x9 baking dish.  Bake uncovered @ 400 degrees for 10 minutes ( I baked mine for 20 minutes because I wanted a crispy bottom layer).
• Meanwhile, cook ground beef thoroughly (I use real minced garlic instead of garlic powder, so I toss that in at this point). Drain beef.
• Stir in broccoli (I also throw in cauliflower to sneak in more veggies), soup, milk, tomato, 3/4 cups french fried onions, 1/2 cup cheese, and heat through.
• Pour over Tots.
• Cover and bake for 20 minutes longer. Uncover.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese and french fried onions.  Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

There you have it!  The Beef & Tater Bake complete with Amanda Torres' commentary and suggestions.  Take 'em or leave 'em.  Either way it's a delicious dish.

Happy Cooking!!!