Smashed Tater Tot Nachos (Gluten-Free)

Ingredients

• 32 oz bag of large Tater-Tots (Ore-Ida brand is gluten-free)
• 1 (1 oz/31g packet) McCormick GF Taco seasoning mix, divided
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 lb raw ground pork, raw Mexican chorizo, ground beef, or ground chicken
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup rinsed and drained black beans (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup of your favorite salsa
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp dried chile flakes, or to taste
• 1-1/2 cups (about 6 oz) shredded Cheddar or Colby cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, divided
• 3 to 5 green onions, finely sliced, divided
• Remaining chopped green onions
• Remaining chopped cilantro
• Dried Chile Pepper flakes
• Sour cream
• Guacamole

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet...: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Place tater tots in a single layer on...: Place tater tots in a single layer on the baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes or until thawed and softened. Remove pan from the oven and using a spatula or the bottom of a glass, smash the tater tots flat. Sprinkle evenly with about half the taco seasoning blend and some pepper. Continue baking another 15 to 20 minutes, until browned and crispy.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, cook the pork and onions in a...: Meanwhile, cook the pork and onions in a large skillet over medium heat. If the meat you are using is in links, remove it from the casing and break up. Break up any clumps to get the finest texture possible.

4. 4

   Transfer the meat to a plate lined with...: Transfer the meat to a plate lined with paper towels. Discard the fat in the pan. Return the meat to the skillet. Sprinkle with about 2 tbsp of the remaining taco seasoning. Stir in the beans, salsa, cilantro, garlic, and chile pepper flakes, and cook, stirring, for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and most of the liquid has evaporated.

5. 5

   In a 7x11-inch baking dish place half the...: In a 7x11-inch baking dish place half the smashed tater tots. Top with half the cheese, half the tomatoes and half the green onions, and using a slotted spoon, all of the meat. Layer on the remaining tater tots, cheese, tomatoes, and green onions. Put back in the oven for about 10 minutes to melt the cheese.

6. 6

   Remove from the oven, add a scattering of...: Remove from the oven, add a scattering of green onions and cilantro over the top. Scoop servings onto plates and if desired, and a dollop each of sour cream and guacamole on the side. Sprinkle with some chile pepper flakes if you want a pop more of heat. Serve and enjoy!