Loaded Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos) – An Easy Appetizer Recipe

Even if you haven’t heard the term Loaded Totchos, I am sure that you have seen a plate of tater tot nachos being served at a restaurant. You can’t miss the huge mound of deep fried tots with a pile of meat, cheese, lettuce, and salsa as it passes by your table.

However, it is nearly impossible to order this popular appetizer because it would be difficult for two people to devour the entire plate. Although they look absolutely delicious, it really isn’t a dish that you can enjoy the leftovers the next day.

Therefore, I will share how you can enjoy this popular appetizer by making it at home. It is a great recipe to enjoy while you are watching your favorite television show or sports program.

And it can even serve as a dinner recipe for two if you prefer! As you can see, the best part about this recipe is that it is very versatile.

Not only can you serve tater tot nachos as an appetizer or dinner, but you can also enjoy it for a mid-day snack, lunch or even breakfast! Simply choose the toppings that you are going to place on top and customize it to your preference.

Although I have listed my standard recipe below that includes classic nacho ingredients, below I have also provided some of my favorite combination for various toppings. However, feel free to mix and match and make the tots exactly how you desire.

In fact, instead of making them the same way over and over again, make them different each and every time. I guarantee that you will never become bored with this recipe!

Loaded Tater Totchos Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• Frozen tater tots
• Chili Powder
• Cumin
• Lean ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese

Garnish Ingredients

• Salsa, thick and chunky variety
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Jalapeno, diced

INSTRUCTIONS

The first step in making Loaded Totchos is to preheat the oven and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy clean up.

*If you have not yet purchased a Silicone Baking Mat, I highly suggest that you do so. Since I began making this recipe, I have gone through several sheets of parchment paper.

This alone, increases the overall cost of this inexpensive recipe. However, with a reusable silicone baking sheet, you will be saving money by not using and disposing of parchment paper each and every time that you go to make it.

Set the prepared baking sheet aside and season the frozen tater tots. Start by placing the tots in a large bowl and sprinkle them with both chili powder and cumin.

Then use a large spoon to toss and coat the tots in the seasoning. You will be shocked at how flavorful they become with this little bit of seasoning.

Now place the tots in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Set the cook time for 30 minutes.

While the tater tots are baking, place a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the ground beef and sprinkle the taco seasoning on top.

Continue to cook until the ground beef is no longer pink, stirring frequently to distribute the seasoning evenly over the meat. Once the meat is cooked through, drain the cooked ground beef in a colander.

Assemble The Loaded Totchos

After the tater tots are hot and golden brown, remove them from the oven. Then use a large spoon to gather the tots and place them in a small, mounding pile.

Spoon the seasoned and drained ground beef on top and then sprinkle the shredded cheese over both the meat and exposed baked tater tots. Then carefully place the baking sheet with the tater tot nachos back in the oven and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.

Remove the tots from the oven and top with desired garnishes. You can also serve some garnishes on the side if you prefer.

Serve warm. Unlike typical nachos made with tortilla chips, this appetizer is meant to be eaten with a fork. Trust me, as good as they are, your fingers would get too messy trying to eat them with your hands!

Favorite Topping Combinations

As mentioned above, these loaded totchos are super versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Below I have listed some of my favorite variations of toppings.

1. Buffalo Chicken Totchos –

Cook the frozen tater tots as instructed with the chili powder and cumin seasoning. Then place cooked and shredded chicken into a skillet with Buffalo wing sauce until heated through.

Top the cooked tots with the seasoned chicken and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Place the pan back in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with Blue Cheese or Ranch dressing and diced green onions.

2. Breakfast Totchos –

Cook the frozen tater tots per package directions. Then remove them from the oven and top with cheese, bacon, and diced green onions.

Place the pan back in the oven until the cheese is melted. In the mean time, in a small skillet, cook your eggs until they are Sunny Side Up.

Once the loaded totchos come out of the oven, carefully place the eggs on top of the mound and season with salt, pepper and/or parsley.

3. Ham and Cheese Totchos –

This recipe makes for a fantastic lunch recipe. Bake the tater tots per the package instructions.

Then when you take them out of the oven, place them in a slight mound. Top the tater tot nachos with sliced or diced ham and shredded Swiss or Cheddar cheese.

Place the pan back in the oven and serve with a side of tomato soup.

4. Vegetarian Totchos –

I love to make this recipe for my Vegetarian friends. However, I also make this recipe on Meatless Monday or on Friday’s during Lent. They are so good that you won’t even miss the meat!

Season the frozen tater tots as instructed in the original recipe. Then when they come out of the oven, mound them up and add shredded cheese and any or all of the suggested toppings.

Suggested toppings for Loaded Vegetarian Totchos: drained black beans, sweet corn kernels, drained fire roasted tomatoes, black olives, diced bell peppers, diced onions, and diced jalapeno peppers.

Place the plate back in the oven and cook until the cheese is melted. Serve warm with sides of sour cream, guacamole, diced green onions, and salsa.

I could go on and on about all the delicious combinations to use. However, it is best to use the above suggestions as a guideline and make the loaded totchos exactly how you want them!

And if you want to know how to make the BEST Traditional Nachos be sure to check out my 5 tips in this article: The Secrets To Making The Best Nachos.

Enjoy! Mary

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