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Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Taco Beef and Queso Recipe


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4.2 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Loaded Tater Tots are a delicious and fun appetizer or snack featuring crispy oven-baked tater tots topped with seasoned ground beef, warm queso cheese dip, fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, cool sour cream, and tangy pickled jalapeños. Perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor, these loaded tots make for an irresistible party treat or a satisfying comfort food.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 32 ounces frozen tater tots
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 16 ounces ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Toppings

  • 1 ½ cups queso cheese dip
  • 1 cup pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)
  • ½ cup guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapenos


Instructions

  1. Preheat and bake the tater tots: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a large rimmed baking sheet on your counter and pour the frozen tater tots evenly onto the sheet. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over the tots, then gently shake the pan to coat them evenly in oil. Spread the tots out in a single layer to ensure crispiness. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through to achieve an even golden and extra crispy texture.
  2. Cook the seasoned ground beef: While the tater tots are baking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 16 ounces of ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Sprinkle the contents of 1 packet taco seasoning over the beef, then stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly. Once coated and cooked through, turn off the heat and set the skillet aside.
  3. Prepare the toppings: Warm the queso cheese dip until hot and easy to pour. If you are using homemade pico de gallo and guacamole, prepare them now; otherwise, get your store-bought versions ready.
  4. Assemble the loaded tater tots: Once the tater tots are golden and extra crispy, carefully transfer them to a large rimmed platter. Immediately pour the hot queso dip evenly over the tater tots, allowing it to melt into the crispy surface. Next, sprinkle the seasoned ground beef over the tots as generously as you like. Top with pico de gallo, guacamole, dollops of sour cream, and finish with a scattering of pickled jalapeños. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot, crispy tots and cool toppings.

Notes

  • Be sure to flip the tater tots halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
  • You can adjust the amount of taco seasoning depending on how flavorful or spicy you like the beef.
  • Use freshly made or high-quality store-bought pico de gallo and guacamole for the best flavor.
  • Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the tots while still crispy.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • To make the dish vegetarian, use plant-based ground meat or omit the beef and add more veggies or beans as toppings.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex