What child (or sane adult) doesn’t love a good tater tot? They’re crispy, greasy, carby, bite sized goodness. And I’m quickly learning that the tot is good for far more than the after-thought side dish next to the burgers. Tater tots can actually be the star of the show, and that never held more true than with these towering Loaded Taco Tater Tots.
The premise is simple, take everything you love about tacos and pile it on to crispy tots. A once hand-held meal becomes a fork and knife affair. Keep plenty of napkins nearby, because you’re going to need them. These tots are loaded with spicy ground beef, pepper jack cheese, tomato, onion, sour cream, cilantro, and two kinds of salsa. I’ve been on a tomatillo salsa kick lately, and it found it’s way into this recipe right alongside the traditional salsa. Of course, do what makes your tastebuds happy, but I absolutely love the limey, tangy addition the tomatillo salsa gives this dish.
PrintLoaded Tater Tots: Nacho-Style
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Classic taco toppings take a new place over crispy tater tops for an awesome loaded appetizer that will make all your eaters happy.
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1½-2 Tablespoons homemade taco seasoning or 1 taco seasoning packet
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack or cheese of your choice
Toppings:
- Chopped tomato
- Diced red onion
- Tomatillo salsa
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Bake the tater tots as directed on the package. Add the cheese during the last five minutes of baking time, allowing it to melt and brown.
- Meanwhile, cook the ground beef in a skillet until no pink remains. Stir in the taco seasoning until evenly distributed. Add additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Divide the tater tots evenly among the plates. Top with ground beef, tomato, onion, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
- Category: Appetizer, Main
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of pepper jack?
Yes, you can substitute pepper jack with other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will change.
What type of ground beef should I use for the tater tots?
Use lean ground beef for a balanced flavor and to reduce excess grease, but you can also opt for ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option.
How can I adjust the spice level of the loaded tater tots?
You can control the spice by reducing the amount of spicy ground beef or using a milder salsa instead of traditional salsa and tomatillo salsa.
I love this! Tater tots are just such a nostalgic food. I love the idea of turning them into nachos!