Mixed Doubles US Open: Tennis-Themed Recipe

Mixed Doubles US Open is a playful, tennis-themed appetizer that combines two classic game-day favorites into one show-stopping platter: crispy, golden tater tots topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for watching the US Open or any sports event, offering a fun twist on loaded fries that’s easy to share and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

1 (32 oz / 907 g) bag frozen tater tots
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning
1/2 cup (120 ml) water
2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1 jalapeÃ±o, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425Â°F (220Â°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
While the tots bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Add the 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water and stir well. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Set the sauce aside.
Once the tots are done, remove them from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350Â°F (175Â°C). Transfer the hot tots to a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish or a large oven-safe platter.
Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the tots. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and drizzle the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeÃ±o slices, if using. Serve immediately.

Tips

Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef; cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165Â°F (74Â°C) as measured with a food thermometer. Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick, or a Mexican cheese blend for a milder flavor.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the seasoned beef mixture and the creamy sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the dish right before serving.
Common mistake: Don’t skip the step of baking the tots until they are fully crispy before adding the toppings. If they are undercooked, they will become soggy under the beef and cheese.
Extra crispiness: For an even crispier base, bake the tots on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate all around them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish hot, straight from the oven, as a hearty appetizer or a fun main course. It pairs wonderfully with cold beverages and other game-day snacks like guacamole, salsa, or a simple green salad. Provide small plates and forks for easy eating.

Variations

Loaded Baked Potato Style: Swap the taco seasoning for 1 tsp of garlic powder and 1 tsp of onion powder. Top the finished dish with crumbled cooked bacon and chopped green onions instead of cilantro and jalapeÃ±o.
Buffalo Chicken Version: Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken tossed in 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. Omit the taco seasoning and water. Use blue cheese dressing instead of the sour cream sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can of black beans, rinsed and drained, and 1 cup of corn kernels. SautÃ© with the onion and garlic, then season with the taco seasoning and water as directed.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired portion on a baking sheet and warm in a 350Â°F (175Â°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but the tots will lose their crispiness. The USDA recommends reheating leftovers to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165Â°F (74Â°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade tater tots? Yes, absolutely! Homemade tots work perfectly. Just ensure they are fully cooked and crispy before adding the toppings, and adjust the initial baking time as needed.

Can I make this in a slow cooker? While you can keep the cooked dish warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting, we don’t recommend cooking the tots in it as they will become very soft. Cook the beef and bake the tots as directed, then combine and keep warm for up to 2 hours.

How do I prevent the dish from becoming soggy? The key is to bake the tots until they are deeply golden and crispy before adding the toppings. Also, make sure the beef mixture is not too wet; let the liquid simmer off completely.

Can I use a different type of cheese? Certainly. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a pepper jack all melt well. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese that contains anti-caking agents, as it may not melt as smoothly.

Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure your tater tots are certified gluten-free. Check the labels of all packaged ingredients to be sure.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe scales easily. Use a larger baking sheet and a bigger baking dish, and adjust the baking time slightly if needed, ensuring the cheese is melted and everything is hot.

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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

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