Sunset Tot Bake

Saddle up for a cozy casserole that tastes like golden hour in a pan. The Sunset Tot Bake is a creamy, crispy, flavor-packed twist on the Midwestern classic — made better with the smoky, slightly sassy touch of Western Dawn from Flavor Expedition Co.

Move over, basic hotdish — this Sunset Tot Bake is riding into town. Imagine juicy ground beef, green beans, and a homemade creamy sauce, all crowned with a layer of crispy, golden tater tots. Now add Western Dawn, the seasoning that whispers “cowboy charm” and “culinary swagger” all at once. The result? Comfort food that tastes like a warm hug from the Wild West. Yee-tots.

Feeds: 6–8 hungry souls
Cook Temp: 450°F
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil

• 2 medium shallots, finely chopped

• 2 pounds ground beef (93% lean)

• 2 tablespoons Western Dawn Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 12 oz frozen chopped green beans

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup pale ale (or low-sodium chicken stock)

• 2¼ cups low-sodium chicken stock

• ½ cup heavy cream

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

• 2 pounds frozen tater tots

• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly encouraged)

• Flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Position:
   Move your oven rack to the upper third and preheat to 450°F. That’s prime tot territory for maximum crisp.

2. Shallot Sizzle:
   In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add shallots with a pinch of salt and cook until softened (5–7 minutes). Add ground beef, Western Dawn, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until browned and broken up — you want little golden bits of beefy glory.

3. Green Bean Goodness:
   Stir in the green beans just until thawed. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

4. Make the Creamy Dream:
   Wipe out the skillet and melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in pale ale (or stock), then gradually add chicken stock in a few rounds, whisking until thickened each time. Add heavy cream, black pepper, thyme, and nutmeg. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes until luscious and smooth.

5. Combine & Conquer:
   Pour the sauce over your beef mixture and fold gently until everything is evenly coated.

6. Tot Assembly Time:
   Arrange tater tots on top in neat little rows. Add cheese if you want extra golden gooey goodness. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Bake & Broil:
   Bake for 35–40 minutes until tots are golden brown and crisp. For extra crunch, give them a few minutes under the broiler at the end.

8. Serve & Swoon:
   Let cool slightly (we know, torture). Garnish with parsley and dig in — no judgment if you go back for seconds.

Tips & Notes:

• Make Ahead: Assemble it up to a day in advance; just pop it in the oven when ready.

• Beer Substitute: Not into pale ale? Chicken stock works just fine — but beer brings that je ne sais suds.

• Vegetable Swap: No green beans? Try corn or mixed veggies — this recipe plays well with others.

Sunset Tot Bake is the ultimate comfort dish that rides the line between cozy and craveable. It’s hearty, creamy, and kissed with just the right touch of Western Dawn seasoning. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or your next potluck hero, this dish guarantees applause (and empty plates).

Loved this Sunset Tot Bake? Mosey on over to our other Flavor Expedition Co. recipes — each one’s a flavor adventure waiting to happen.