Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos)
Who doesn’t love a good plate of Loaded Tater Tots? These delicious little bites of comfort food are perfect for game day, movie night, or just a fun weeknight dinner. Imagine crispy tater tots topped with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and a rainbow of toppings. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for more. If you’re ready to elevate your tater tot game, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe for Loaded Tater Tots, affectionately known as Totchos.
Why Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) is Worth Your Time
Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) are more than just a side dish; they are an experience! With their crispy exterior and fluffy inside, they serve as the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings. The combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings creates a flavor explosion that pleases all palates. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, and you can customize them to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) will be the star of the show.
Gather These Ingredients
To get started on your journey to Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) perfection, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots (1 bag)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 1 white onion (diced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 8 ounces freshly shredded Colby jack cheese
- Pico de gallo
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced jalapeño peppers
Hardware & Gadgets
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Large skillet – for browning the beef and cooking the onions.
- Baking sheet – for baking the tater tots to crispy perfection.
- Spatula – for mixing and serving.
- Measuring spoons – for accurate seasoning.
- Oven mitts – safety first when handling hot pans!
Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) Cooking Guide
Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering dish of Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos):
Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tots
Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the bag of frozen tater tots. Spread the tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until they are golden brown and crispy, typically around 20-25 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
While the tater tots are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Once the tater tots are done baking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning over the hot tater tots. Gently toss to coat.
Step 5: Assemble the Totchos
On a large serving platter, layer the crispy tater tots with the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle the freshly shredded Colby jack cheese generously over the top.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Return the assembled platter to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Top with Fresh Ingredients
Once out of the oven, top your Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) with pico de gallo, a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño peppers for an extra kick.
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
If you’re looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly version of Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos), consider these alternatives:
- Cauliflower Tots – Use frozen cauliflower tots instead of traditional tater tots for a low-carb option.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken – Substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
- Cheese Alternatives – Use a combination of mozzarella and cream cheese for a lower-carb cheese option.
- Vegetable Toppings – Load up on high-fiber vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
Problems & Prevention
Here are a few common problems you might encounter while making Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) and how to prevent them:
- Cheese not melting – Ensure you use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for the best melt.
- Tater tots soggy – Allow the tater tots to bake until crispy before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.
- Over-seasoned beef – Start with less taco seasoning and adjust to taste as you cook.
- Too many toppings – While toppings are great, too many can make the dish messy. Choose a few key toppings to balance flavor and presentation.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to properly store and reheat your Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos):
Store any leftover Loaded Tater Tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled totchos; however, the texture may change when reheated.
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the totchos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Microwave: While convenient, reheating in the microwave can make the tater tots soggy. If using this method, heat in short intervals, checking frequently.
Popular Questions
Can I make Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ground beef mixture and bake the tater tots ahead of time. Simply assemble and bake just before serving for the best results.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.
Can I make Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with black beans or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I make Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) spicier?
Add more diced jalapeño peppers or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce before serving for an extra kick!
Weekend Projects
If you’re feeling inspired to try more delicious recipes, consider these fun projects:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – A classic treat that never disappoints.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry – A colorful and healthy dish packed with flavor.
- Vegan Chili – A hearty, comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings.
- Classic Vanilla Cake – Bake your way to a delicious dessert.
Let’s Eat
With Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) on the table, it’s time to dig in! The combination of crispy tots, savory beef, and all those fresh toppings makes for a feast that everyone will love. Don’t forget to customize your toppings to make it your own! Whether you go for the classic sour cream and guacamole or add a twist with some spicy salsa, these Loaded Tater Tots are sure to impress. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the bag of frozen tater tots. Spread the tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until they are golden brown and crispy, typically around 20-25 minutes.
- Step 2: While the tater tots are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Step 4: Once the tater tots are done baking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning over the hot tater tots. Gently toss to coat.
- Step 5: On a large serving platter, layer the crispy tater tots with the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle the freshly shredded Colby jack cheese generously over the top.
- Step 6: Return the assembled platter to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Once out of the oven, top your Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) with pico de gallo, a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño peppers for an extra kick.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
- Allow tater tots to bake until crispy to avoid sogginess.
- Start with less taco seasoning and adjust according to taste.
