Loaded Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos)
When crispy golden tater tots are topped with juicy ground beef, gooey melted cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh toppings, you get one of the most crave-worthy comfort foods ever—Totchos! This fun twist on nachos uses tater tots instead of tortilla chips, making them extra crispy on the outside and soft inside. Perfect for game day, parties, or an indulgent weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
¼ cup chopped green onions
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, diced tomatoes
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until crispy, about 25–30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add ground beef, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Assemble
Place crispy tater tots on an oven-safe platter or dish. Spoon cooked beef over the tots, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Melt and Top
Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove and top with crumbled bacon and green onions. Add sour cream, salsa, or jalapeños if desired.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot and dig in immediately while the cheese is melty and the tots are crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crunchy, cheesy, and meaty all in one bite
Perfect party food and a crowd favorite
Customizable with endless topping options
Quick to prepare using frozen tater tots
Variations
Tex-Mex Totchos: Add black beans, corn, and jalapeños with a drizzle of queso
BBQ Totchos: Use shredded pulled pork and drizzle with barbecue sauce
Buffalo Totchos: Toss chicken in buffalo sauce and top with ranch or blue cheese
Vegetarian Totchos: Use black beans, grilled veggies, and avocado slices instead of meat
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheating: Re-crisp in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes (avoid microwaving to keep tots crispy)
Freezer: Best enjoyed fresh—tater tots lose their texture when frozen after cooking
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 820mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Calcium | 250mg |
| Iron | 3.8mg |
Approximate values depending on toppings used.
Pro Tips
Bake tater tots extra crispy before assembling for best texture
Layer cheese between tots and beef for maximum meltiness
Serve immediately so tots don’t soften under toppings
Double the recipe for game day or large gatherings
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Bake the tots and cook the beef in advance, then assemble and heat when ready to serve.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes, cheddar melts beautifully, but pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella all work well.
What’s the best meat substitute?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles all work as alternatives
