$pent Millennial

Last week I shared my grocery budgeting & shopping routine for the month. I mentioned that in staying to the budget sometimes by the end of the month, and end of the budget, meals get a bit creative. 

Here I share one I scraped up this week based on a Nacho Tater Tot Casserole Recipe: 

Ingredients:

• Tater Tots (enough to line a casserole dish or skillet)
• Powdered cheese from boxed mac and cheese – save the pasta for another meal
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 can of cream of mushroom or chicken soup
• 1 can of milk (use the soup can to measure)
• Seasonings: cumin, chili powder, black pepper, garlic
• Optional: shredded cheese
• Optional: Protein of choice (plant-based “beef” crumbles, plant-based “chicken” strips, leftover ground beef, leftover chicken, etc.)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Bake Tater Tots: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the Tater Tots evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare Cheese Roux: While the Tater Tots are baking, let’s prepare the cheesy sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the powdered cheese from the boxed mac and cheese, stirring continuously until combined. This creates a roux base for our sauce.
3. Make Nacho Cheese Sauce: Next, add in the can of cream of mushroom or chicken soup and the can of milk (use the soup can to measure). Bring to a boil and stir well until the mixture is smooth.
4. Seasoning: As the sauce begins to heat, incorporate your desired seasonings: cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and garlic. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
5. Optional, Add Protein: If you’re adding protein to your casserole, cook it according to package instructions or use leftover cooked meat. Stir the protein into the cheese sauce mixture.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Once the Tater Tots are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Grease a skillet or casserole dish, then transfer the crispy Tater Tots into it.
7. Pour Cheese Sauce: Pour the prepared nacho cheese sauce over the crispy Tater Tots, ensuring they are evenly coated.
8. Optional Toppings: For an extra cheesy and crunchy finish, sprinkle shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake: Place the skillet or casserole dish into the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve: Once the casserole is hot and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Nacho Tater Tot Casserole, a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion!