If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful appetizer, these Loaded Totchos are always a crowd-pleaser.
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Crispy tater tots are baked until golden, then piled high with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings.
It’s the perfect mix of comfort food and party food in every bite.
Table of Contents
🥔 Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Water
- Frozen tater tots
- Queso cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Pico de gallo (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Jalapeños (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
➕ Additions and Substitutions
🌟 No queso cheese on hand? You can also use – Poblano Cream Sauce or Chipotle Mayo Sauce
🌟 Traditional Pico de Gallo is great, but feel free to change it up with Mango Pico de Gallo or Pineapple Pico de Gallo.
🌟 Instead of using a taco seasoning, try Southwest Seasoning Recipe, Carne Asada Seasoning Recipe, or Chicken Taco Seasoning.
👩🏼🍳 Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on the pan and bake until crispy and golden, about 25–30 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- While the tots are baking, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 7–10 minutes.
- Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until well combined.
Leftover carne asada or fajitas work great in this recipe. Similar to carne asada nachos or chicken fajitas nachos, except with tater tots.
- Remove the tater tots from the oven and drizzle with queso. Add the seasoned beef and top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and everything is hot.
- Finish with your favorite toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, or lime wedges. Serve immediately.
🫙 Storing Instructions
Store leftover Loaded Totchos (or tater tot nachos) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings like pico de gallo or sour cream separate so the tots don’t get soggy.
🔥 Reheating Instructions
For the best texture, reheat Loaded Totchos in the oven at 375°F for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the tots soft.
🙋🏻♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble the Totchos just before baking so they stay crispy.
Yes! Leftover taco meat works perfectly for this recipe and cuts down on prep time.
Absolutely. Cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.
🍴 More Appetizer Recipes You’d Like
- Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
- Tostones Chips
- Ancho BBQ Steak Skewers
- Black Bean and Corn Dip
- Elote en Vaso
Loaded Totchos are the ultimate appetizer for parties, game nights, or whenever you’re craving something cheesy and delicious. With crispy tater tots, savory beef, and endless toppings, this recipe is always a hit.
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Loaded Totchos (with beef)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 oz taco seasoning packet
- 2 tablespoon water
- 2 lb frozen tater tots
- ½ cup queso cheese (or use chipotle mayo)
- 1 ¼ cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
Optional Toppings:
- Pico de gallo
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
- Jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread tater tots evenly on the pan and bake until golden and crispy, about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, cooking and breaking apart until browned, about 7–10 minutes.
- Drain excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and water; cook 1–2 minutes more.
- Remove tater tots from the oven and drizzle with queso.
- Top with seasoned beef and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and finish with your choice of toppings.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Leftover taco meat works perfectly for this recipe and cuts down on prep time.
- No queso cheese on hand? You can also use – Poblano Cream Sauce or Chipotle Mayo Sauce
- Can I swap out the Monterey Jack cheese? Absolutely. Cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.
- Instead of using a taco seasoning, try Southwest Seasoning Recipe, Carne Asada Seasoning Recipe, or Chicken Taco Seasoning.
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