Crockpot Loaded Totchos

Video below on how to make this TOT notch recipe

Summer is here! And, sadly, somehow, also coming close to an end. Every year it goes by more quickly, and every year I find myself spending more time outside, sometimes with groups and friends, soaking in the warm, summer weather. As such, I wanted to come up with a dish that would be perfect for just that; a group gathering, and something everyone can enjoy. Enter the crockpot totchos. That's right. It's like tater tot casserole on spicy, delicious steroids. So stick with me here, because this combined with serving options is sure to be a TOT notch summer gathering, (or any season, for any number of people, even just one) staple.

Ingredients/Recipe:

• 1 1b. ground hamburger

• 1-2 bags of frozen tater tots

• 1 packet of taco seasoning

• 1 can of Rotel

• 1 can of black beans

• 1 can of sweet corn

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

 Putting it Together:

First, you will fry up your hamburger, season it with the taco seasoning, and then add in the can of Rotel. Mix this all together really well.

In the crockpot, across the bottom, add a layer of the frozen tater tots. Then, add half of the hamburger mixture over the tots. Following this, add in some black beans, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Then, add a second layer on this, but for this layer, use corn instead of black beans, ensuring a nice thick top of the shredded cheese.

 Cook on low for 3.5 hours.

 Serving

When coming up with this recipe, in my mind, I envisioned this being served at a gathering, and like some sort of taco bar, there being all these sides to go along with it. Sour cream, avocados or guac, salsa, lettuce, cheese, you name it!

Or, consider a walking totcho! Get a snack size bag of Doritos, add in the totchos, and then also add in your favorite toppings. Give a good mix, and now you have totchos with a little crunch, and super easy clean up.

 Load of Crock Tip(s):

• Don't be afraid to experiment with this. I did it in a pretty uniformed layering system, but also feel free to mix it up in the crock, and add in other of your favorite taco or nacho toppings.

• You could also do this with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even vegetarian and load it up with other great veggies.

• My mom did it in the oven, so more like the tater tot casserole on steroids I mentioned, and she did it at 350, after 20 minutes, mixed it up, added in some more tomatoes/rotel, and then put it back in the oven for another 30 minutes, and then let it sit for 10 minutes. She also froze some of it, and heated it up 4 weeks later, and said it was great and kept well!

As we celebrate the last part of summer, I highly encourage you to try this dish, whether for a gathering, or for a woman, on her couch, in her favorite sweats, with a glass of red wine, watching Ted Lasso. I am spit balling here, this is just an example…no matter the season or reason, these loaded totchos are delicious and easy, and always good with a glass of red. I've heard.