‘Simple comfort’: Just 3 ingredients. It’s shockingly satisfying.

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the hot tater tots.

Return the skillet to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the skillet rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the cheese a chance to settle a bit and makes it easier to scoop out tidy portions. Serve warm, straight from the skillet.

If you grew up in a kitchen where nothing went to waste, this skillet is a perfect canvas. You can tuck in little extras without changing the heart of the recipe. For a touch of onion flavor without adding more ingredients, brown the beef with a sprinkle of onion powder or garlic powder from your pantry. If you like a bit of zip, use a sharp cheddar or a pepper jack cheese instead of mild cheddar. To stretch the dish for a bigger family, add another half pound of beef and a handful more tater tots, and bake in a slightly larger skillet or a small casserole dish. For a “Sunday potluck” feel, drizzle a few spoonfuls of your favorite barbecue sauce over the beef before adding the cheese, or spoon a thin layer of salsa over the meat for a Southwestern twist. Leftovers reheat well in a hot skillet or toaster oven, and if you’re cooking for just one or two, you can halve the recipe and use a smaller pan. No matter how you play with it, keep the spirit of the dish the same: simple, hearty, and made with what you have on hand.