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An overhead shot of crispy tater tot nachos piled high with cheese and toppings

Classic Tater Tot Nachos

Crispy tater tots topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings make for a fun and satisfying meal or appetizer. Perfect for game day or a casual get-together.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 bag (32-ounce) frozen tater tots
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack blend
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño slices
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
Optional Toppings
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Guacamole or diced avocado
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Black olives sliced
  • Refried beans warmed

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large baking sheet
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Bake Tater Tots
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway.
Prepare Taco Meat
  1. While tots bake, brown ground beef or turkey in a large skillet and drain excess grease.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until liquid evaporates, and meat is seasoned.
Assemble and Bake Nachos
  1. Remove crispy tots from oven, sprinkle with half the cheese, then spoon seasoned beef over the cheese.
  2. Add remaining cheese, jalapeño slices, and red onion.
  3. Return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
  1. Remove from oven and top with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider making your own taco seasoning! Adjust toppings to your preference; anything you like on traditional nachos will work here.