Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1.5 cups Thousand Island dressing
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, diced small
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions. Break the meat into small crumbles and sauté until mahogany-colored and onions are translucent.
  2. Drain the excess fat thoroughly in a colander. Return the drained beef to the pan and stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, yellow mustard, and 1/2 cup of the Thousand Island dressing.
  3. Transfer the beef mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, pressing it into an even layer. Spread the diced pickles over the beef, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the tots are golden brown and extra crispy.
  5. Remove from oven. Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of Thousand Island dressing over the hot tots. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, toasted sesame seeds, and additional pickles before serving.