Introduction
Loaded Tater Tot Nachos, affectionately known as Totchos, are the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy golden tater tots piled high with melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and all your favorite nacho toppings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just satisfying a serious craving, these are quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
For the Meat Topping:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade mix)
- ½ cup water
For the Cheese Sauce (optional but amazing):
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Or use: 1½–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Toppings (customize to your liking):
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 1 avocado, diced or sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
- Salsa or hot sauce, optional
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until crispy and golden, flipping once halfway through. For extra crispiness, toss with olive oil before baking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat, if necessary.
- Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce (Optional)
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
Step 4: Assemble the Totchos
- Transfer hot, crispy tots to a large serving platter or leave them on the baking sheet.
- Top evenly with the cooked taco meat and black beans.
- Drizzle cheese sauce over the top, or sprinkle with shredded cheese and return to oven for 5 minutes until melted.
- Add remaining toppings: onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, olives, avocado, cilantro, and green onions.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot with sides of sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce.
- Enjoy immediately—totchos are best fresh and gooey!
Method Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more beans or plant-based crumbles.
- Make it spicy: Use pepper jack cheese and top with extra jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Make it breakfast-style: Swap beef for scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage, then top with salsa and avocado.
- Crispy tot tip: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—air flow = crispiness.