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The Kitchn: It's time to rethink taco night

By Patty Catalano on

TheKitchn.com

Sure, these tater tots might not look like traditional tacos; but this brilliant slow cooker dish lets you enjoy cheesy beef tacos in a whole new way. That's because under that layer of crisp-tender tots and gooey, melty cheese is a taco-seasoned mix of ground beef, salsa and beans.

Served straight from the slow cooker, these tater tot tacos are scooped into bowls and finished with a dollop of sour cream and a spicy spoonful of fresh pico de gallo. Who would say no to that?

Swap rice for tater tots for the best-ever tacos

Slow cooker tots are more tender and fragile than their oven-crisped counterparts, making them the perfect substitute for rice (a grain notoriously tricky to slow cook). Line the bottom of the slow cooker with a layer of tots, and once cooked under the layers of seasoned meat and cheese, the texture of the tots mimics rice.

Tater tot tacos ready when you are

 

This slow cooker supper starts on the stovetop, giving the beef the crumbled, caramelized texture and flavor you expect from a classic beef taco. Once the beef browns, you'll add pantry staples like salsa, beans, taco seasoning mix and frozen corn. With the taco filling complete, turn your attention to the slow cooker. Layer half the frozen tots in the bottom of a slow cooker. Top with the beef filling and cheese before adding a final layer of tater tots on top.

The finishing touch is a sprinkling of cheese, which melts in the last 10 minutes of cooking -- just enough time for you to get out the serving bowls and any taco toppings. This slow cooker meal can cook all day on low, or for just a few hours on high, so dinner is ready when you are.

Cheesy Taco Crock Tots

Serves 6 to 8

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