Beef Tater Tot-Chos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Tater Tot-Chos combine everything you love about nachos with the comfort of crispy tater tots. They’re loaded, customizable, and easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, dinner, or party snack, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. You can pile on your favorite toppings—from sour cream and salsa to jalapeños and guacamole—for a totally customizable meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Frozen tater tots
• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Onion, diced
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeños, sliced
• Black olives, sliced (optional)
• Sour cream
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Guacamole or diced avocado
• Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
• Olive oil or nonstick spray

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
2. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, then drain excess grease.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, cooking until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Once the tater tots are crispy, transfer them to an oven-safe dish or skillet.
5. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the tots, then sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
6. Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, olives, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro or green onions.
8. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
• Loaded BBQ tot-chos: Swap taco seasoning for BBQ sauce and add bacon bits.
• Breakfast style: Top with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and cheese.
• Vegetarian: Replace the beef with black beans, corn, and sautéed peppers.
• Tex-Mex twist: Add refried beans or queso sauce between the layers for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Tater tot-chos are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until the tots are crispy and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tots soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the beef and prep toppings in advance, but bake the tater tots fresh for the best texture.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter alternative.

How can I make this dish extra crispy?

Bake the tater tots a few minutes longer before adding toppings to ensure maximum crunch.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes, cook the tater tots in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, then assemble as directed.

Are tater tot-chos gluten-free?

They can be if you use gluten-free tater tots and taco seasoning.

What toppings go best with Beef Tater Tot-Chos?

Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, olives, and fresh cilantro are all great choices.

Can I add beans to this recipe?

Absolutely! Black beans or refried beans add extra flavor and protein.

Can I make these cheesy without baking twice?

Yes, sprinkle cheese over the hot tater tots right after baking, then top with beef—the residual heat will melt it.

How do I serve this for a crowd?

Layer everything on a sheet pan for easy sharing and let everyone add their own toppings.

Conclusion

Beef Tater Tot-Chos are the ultimate comfort food mash-up—crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. With layers of crunchy tots, seasoned beef, and your favorite nacho toppings, this recipe is perfect for parties, casual dinners, or game-day feasts. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, it’s a guaranteed hit every time you serve it.

Beef Tater Tot-Chos

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Beef Tater Tot-Chos are a delicious fusion of tater tots and nachos, featuring crispy tots layered with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings. This fun and hearty dish is perfect for parties, game days, or easy weeknight dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course / Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1–2 jalapeños, sliced
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
• ½ cup guacamole or diced avocado
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or nonstick spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook until well combined and slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
4. Transfer the crispy tater tots to an oven-safe dish or skillet.
5. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the tater tots, then sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
6. Return to oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, olives, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cilantro or green onions.
8. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, bake the tater tots a few minutes longer before adding toppings.
• To make ahead, cook the beef and prep toppings in advance—assemble just before baking.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian? Use black beans and corn instead of beef.
• Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg