Step aside, classic nachos! Brace yourself for a delightful new twist that will soon become your family’s favorite: Tater Tot Nachos. Imagine crispy, golden tater tots piled high with savory taco meat, ooey-gooey cheddar cheese melting to perfection, zesty jalapeños adding just the right kick, and a drizzle of tangy sour cream and fresh pico de gallo for an extra burst of flavor.
This creative dinner option is not only a fun way to revamp your weekly meal plan but also a surefire hit with the kids, who will revel in the delicious fusion of two beloved comfort foods. Indulge in this playful and satisfying dish, perfect for any night of the week!
@thechaotictable Tater tots covered in taco meat is what’s for dinner tonight! ##tacotuesday##tatertotnachos##tachos##newcontentcreator##homecookedmeal##cookingcreators#c#creatorsearchinsights ♬ original sound - The Chaotic Table
Nacho Recipes
What are Tater Tot Nachos?
Tater tot nachos offer a delightful twist on the traditional nachos. Instead of tortilla chips, they feature crispy, golden tater tots layered with flavorful, seasoned taco meat. Then these nachos are generously topped with red onions, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo, creating a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
What are other names for this recipe?
- Totchos
- Loaded Totchos
What do I serve with these?
- Refried beans
- Street corn
- Churros
- Bourbon Smash
Recipe FAQ's
- Can I use the air fryer to get the tater tots golden brown before placing them on the sheet pan?
- Yes, if you would like to use your air fryer to make the tater tots golden and crispy, you can do so. Keep them in a single layer and heat at 400°F for 10 minutes. Shake and heat for another 10 minutes. Proceed to the sheet pan and the rest of the instructions for finishing the dish.
- Is it best to use pre-shredded cheese, or do I need to shred it myself?
- Either option will work, but you will find that if you get the block and shred it yourself, the cheese melts faster and more evenly than the pre-shredded cheese.
- Can I season the tater tots before baking them?
- Yes, if you would like to season the tater tots before baking them, you can add another layer of flavor. Season salt or even a BBQ rub are great seasonings to use, but you can use the flavors you like most.
- How do I keep the tater tots from becoming soggy?
- If you would like to keep your tater tots from becoming soggy, make sure that they are fully cooked and crispy before adding any of the toppings. If they are still soft before adding the toppings, they will become soggy.
What are substitutions that I can make?
Tator tots – could use frozen hashbrown rounds.
Ground beef – Ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo are all good choices. You could also use shredded beef or chicken.
Taco seasoning – If you want to use homemade taco seasoning, you will need 3 tablespoons.
Cheddar cheese – Colby Jack or Monterey cheeses are also good choices.
Jalapenos – fresh is best, but if you prefer, you can use the jarred pickled jalapeños.
How should I store my leftovers?
- Tater Tot Nachos should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat single servings, microwave for 45-60 seconds until thoroughly warm. If reheating a large portion, use an oven-safe dish and place it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. I would recommend removing all the toppings except the meat and cheese before reheating. Then, place it back on top after heating.
Tater Tot Nachos Ingredients
- Frozen tater tots – 2 lbs.
- Ground beef – 1 lb
- Taco Seasoning – 1(1 oz.) packet
- Water
- Cheddar Cheese – 8 oz. shredded
- Pico de Gallo
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Jalapenos
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
How to make Tater Tot Nachos?
Preheat the oven to 425°F and spray a sheet pan with nonstick spray.
Spread the tater tots in a single layer on the sheet pan. Bake for 20-23 minutes until they are golden brown.
Spread the taco meat and cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Place them back in the oven for 4 to 6 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Top the tater tot nachos with pico de gallo, red onions, cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole, and enjoy!
Tater Tot Nachos
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Nonstick spray
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen tater tots
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 oz cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 2 jalapeños sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and spray a sheet pan with nonstick spray.
- Spread the tater tots in a single layer on the sheet pan. Bake for 20-23 minutes until they are golden brown.
- While the tater tots are cooking, add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat. Using a wooden spoon, break apart the meat and continue to cook until browned. Drain off the grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Continue to cook until the sauce has thickened.
- Spread the taco meat and cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Place them back in the oven for 4 to 6 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Top the tater tot nachos with pico de gallo, red onions, cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole, and enjoy!
Was this a win at your dinner table?
Leave a quick rating or review below! It helps other busy families find the recipes that actually get eaten.
Before I moved I used to order “totchos” as one of my guilty pleasures from a local taco place and was missing them terribly…until this recipe! I used plant-based crumbles in place of the beef and it was perfect.
I agree that it is one of the hardest things to leave behind great food. But I’m glad this recipe is able to fill that gap. And great tip at the plant base crumbles worked instead of the beef.
Another great weeknight meal! My kids and hubby love tater tots! This is a perfect way to use them:)
Oh you’re so sweet thank you!
My kids will love this one, thanks for the recipe!
I made these on the weekend and they were a hit with my whole family. We munched them while watching Netflix, they did not last long!
I made this at the weekend and my family loved it! Thanks for the recipe!
No problem! I’m here all the time with lots of fun recipes.
We all love doing nachos for a “light” dinner, but as soon as I saw this with tater tots, I had to make it. Everyone loved it, and it was so convenient to make.
These Tater Tot Nachos were such a hit! So easy to make, super cheesy, and everyone went back for seconds. Perfect game-day snack!