Name: Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning; 2 tbsp water; 2 lb frozen tater tots; ½ cup queso cheese; 1 ¼ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Pico de gallo; Sour cream; Lime wedges; Jalapeños; Fresh cilantro

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Loaded Tater Tot Nachos are a delicious and fun twist on classic nachos, perfect for game day or a casual snack. Crispy tater tots layered with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings make this dish irresistible and easy to share.

The dish is served on a white plate placed on a gray cloth over a white marbled surface. The base layer consists of crispy golden tater tots, mixed with ground brown cooked meat bits and melted light yellow cheese. On top, there are small bright red diced tomatoes and white chopped onions, scattered around with fresh green chopped cilantro. A dollop of smooth white sour cream sits near the center, garnished with a few cilantro leaves. A fresh green jalapeño slice rests on the side of the tater tots. The background shows a blurred halved light green lime and two brown pepper grinders, along with sprigs of cilantro. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
2 tbsp water
2 lb frozen tater tots
½ cup queso cheese
1 ¼ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional toppings:
- Pico de gallo
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
- Jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Spread the tater tots out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until the tots are golden and crispy.
Step 3: While the tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for 7–10 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.
Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then cook for another 1–2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Remove the tater tots from the oven and drizzle the queso cheese evenly over them. Top with the seasoned beef and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 6: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
Step 7: Remove from the oven, add your favorite optional toppings, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder to the beef while cooking.
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness.
Add black beans or corn for more texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover loaded tater tot nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to keep the tots crispy and cheese melted. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A metal baking tray lined with parchment paper holds a dish made of golden brown tater tots spread evenly as the base layer, topped generously with browned ground beef mixed with melted white cheese. On top, there are small pieces of red tomato, white onion, and green cilantro scattered around. Three large dollops of white sour cream are placed on different sections of the dish, each garnished with sliced green jalapeño peppers. A halved lime sits on the edge of the tray, with fresh cilantro sprigs placed around it. Nearby, there's a small white bowl of sour cream with a wooden-handled spoon and two forks with wooden handles resting on a gray cloth over a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Yes, you can make your own tater tots or use small diced potatoes, but cooking times and crispiness may vary. Frozen tater tots are convenient and ensure a consistent crispy texture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the seasoned beef and bake the tater tots in advance, then assemble and melt the cheese just before serving for best results. This helps save time when entertaining.