Loaded Tater Tots with Ground Meat and Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

– **For the Tater Tots:**
– 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)
– Salt and pepper to taste

– **For the Meat Mixture:**
– 1 lb ground beef or ground sausage
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

– **For the Cheese Sauce:**
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

– **For Garnish:**
– Sliced green onions or chives
– Optional: additional shredded cheese

 Instructions:

1. **Bake the Tater Tots:**
– Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the tater tots.
– Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until crispy and golden brown, usually about 25-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

2. **Prepare the Meat Mixture:**
– While the tater tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
– Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and the meat is browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the meat mixture aside.

3. **Make the Cheese Sauce:**
– In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
– Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
– Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. **Assemble the Dish:**
– Place the baked tater tots in a large serving bowl or individual bowls.
– Top with the cooked meat mixture.
– Pour the cheese sauce over the top of the tater tots and meat.
– Garnish with sliced green onions or chives and additional shredded cheese if desired.

5. **Serve Immediately:**
– Enjoy the loaded tater tots while they are hot and cheesy!

This recipe should give you a delicious dish similar to the one in the uploaded image. Enjoy!