Name: Tater Tot Nachos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-pound bag frozen tater tots; 1 pound ground beef (93% lean); ½ cup diced yellow onion; 1 ounce packet taco seasoning; ⅛ cup water; 1 cup nacho cheese; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced (use any tomato you prefer); 1-2 fresh jalapeños, sliced (or use pickled jalapeños); 2 Tablespoons cilantro (optional, can also use parsley); ½ cup sour cream (for topping or on the side for serving)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Okay, picture this: crispy, golden tater tots topped with melty cheese, savory meat, tangy salsa, and all the nacho fixings you can imagine. These Tater Tot Nachos are a total game-changer, my friend. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or just when you want to treat yourself to something ridiculously delicious. Imagine every bite delivering that perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness—it’s comfort food at its finest, and trust me, it’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Air Fryer Paper Liners

Buy Now →

Vegetable Chopper

Buy Now →

Magic Bullet Blender

Buy Now →

So why will you love this recipe? Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about satisfying your snack cravings in the most fun, comforting way possible. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these Tater Tot Nachos are sure to please. Here’s why this dish is an absolute must-try:

Versatile: You can customize them to your heart’s content. Whether you’re in the mood for classic nacho toppings or want to get creative with your favorite flavors, this dish can handle it all. From adding guacamole and sour cream to spicing it up with jalapeños, the possibilities are endless!

Quick and Easy: If you’ve got tater tots, cheese, and a few toppings, you’re already halfway there! This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for a quick snack or an easy weeknight dinner.

Crowd-Pleasing: These nachos are bound to impress, no matter who’s at your table. They’re great for parties, family get-togethers, or even just hanging out with friends.

Customizable: Want to add some ground beef or shredded chicken? Go for it! Prefer a vegetarian version? Top with black beans, roasted vegetables, or even some fresh avocado. You can make these nachos however you like.

Comfort Food at Its Best: The crispy tater tots give a fun twist on traditional nachos, creating the perfect crunchy base for all your favorite toppings. It’s indulgent, it’s flavorful, and it’s oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these epic Tater Tot Nachos:

Tater Tots: The crispy base that makes these nachos stand out. Tater tots are crunchy, fluffy on the inside, and the perfect vehicle for all your nacho toppings.

Cheese: Shredded cheddar or a nacho cheese blend works best. It melts beautifully over the tater tots, creating that gooey, cheesy goodness.

Ground Beef: This adds a savory layer to your nachos. Brown the beef with some seasoning, and it’ll bring a hearty element to every bite.

Sour Cream: The cool, creamy contrast to all the flavors and heat in the dish. You can’t go wrong with a dollop of sour cream on top!

Salsa: For that perfect tangy and fresh kick. It adds both flavor and a bit of moisture to the nachos.

Jalapeños: If you like a little spice, fresh jalapeños are your best friend. You can slice them thin or add pickled jalapeños for that extra zing.

Green Onions: These bring a nice freshness and crunch that balances out the richness of the cheese and beef.

Optional Toppings: Guacamole, shredded lettuce, olives, diced tomatoes, cilantro, or even hot sauce. These are the extras that will take your nachos to the next level!

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this awesome snack:

Cook the Tater Tots: Start by cooking the tater tots according to the package instructions. You want them crispy and golden, so bake or fry them until they’re perfectly crunchy.

Prepare the Beef: While the tots are cooking, brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and any spices you like—think garlic powder, chili powder, or cumin. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.

Assemble the Nachos: Once the tater tots are done, spread them out on a large baking sheet or serving dish. Sprinkle the cooked beef evenly over the tots, then top with the shredded cheese.

Melt the Cheese: Place the loaded tots under the broiler for just a few minutes (keep an eye on it) until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Add the Toppings: Once your nachos are nice and cheesy, it’s time to add all your favorite toppings. Spoon on some salsa, add sliced jalapeños, and finish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions.

Serve and Enjoy: Grab a fork or just dive in with your hands—these Tater Tot Nachos are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Get ready for the ultimate snack experience!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
(Full nutrition details available in the recipe card)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Tater Tot Nachos

These nachos are the perfect snack, but you can always pair them with a side or drink to elevate the experience:

Fresh Guacamole: Creamy, fresh guacamole adds a rich flavor and makes a great dip for the tots.
Crisp Salad: A side salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the nachos and add some freshness to your meal.
Soda or Margarita: Wash these nachos down with a cold soda or even a classic margarita for that perfect combo of salty, cheesy goodness.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: You can prep the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just heat it up when you’re ready to assemble the nachos.

Add More Veggies: If you want to pack in more veggies, throw in some diced bell peppers, corn, or even black beans.

Use a Different Protein: You can easily swap the ground beef for shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian protein like black beans or lentils.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crispy texture.

Double the Batch: These nachos are perfect for parties. Double or triple the recipe if you’re serving a crowd—trust me, they’ll disappear fast!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these nachos vegetarian?
A1: Yes! Just skip the ground beef and top with extra veggies, like black beans, corn, or even roasted vegetables for that hearty bite.

Q2: Can I make these nachos ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time (cook the beef, bake the tots), but I recommend assembling and baking the nachos just before serving for the best texture.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until the cheese melts again.

Q4: Can I freeze Tater Tot Nachos?
A4: I wouldn’t recommend freezing the fully assembled nachos, as the tater tots might get soggy. However, you can freeze the cooked beef and reassemble the nachos fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Q5: How do I make these extra spicy?
A5: Add extra jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce before serving. You could even use spicy chorizo in place of ground beef for an extra kick.

Q6: Can I use frozen tater tots?
A6: Absolutely! In fact, that’s what you’ll probably be using. Just bake or fry them according to package directions for the best results.

Q7: Can I add cheese to the beef mixture?
A7: Yes! You can mix some cheese into the cooked beef for an extra cheesy layer. Just sprinkle a little over the beef while it’s still in the pan.

Q8: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A8: Yes! You can use any cheese you like, but cheddar or a nacho cheese blend works best for the melty, gooey texture.

Q9: What should I do if I don’t have a broiler?
A9: No problem! You can bake the nachos at 400°F for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe! Just make sure to spread the ingredients evenly and bake in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

These Tater Tot Nachos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With crispy tots, melty cheese, savory meat, and all your favorite toppings, it’s a snack or meal that everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, they’re the ultimate comfort food with a twist. Ready to dig in? Enjoy!

Air Fryer Paper Liners

Buy Now →

Vegetable Chopper

Buy Now →

Magic Bullet Blender

Buy Now →

Tater Tot Nachos

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition