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Totchos are the ultimate fusion of tater tots and nachos, and they’re about to rock your world!
Imagine biting into a crispy potato base loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a rainbow of fresh toppings.
You can go wild and add whatever you like. Try salsa, sour cream, guacamole, jalapenos, you name it!
This irresistible dish is easy to make and customizable, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Tater Tots: The crispy, golden base for this epic nacho extravaganza.
- Ground Beef: Savory, protein-packed crumbles bring the taco flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: A zesty blend that transforms ordinary ground beef into a fiesta for your tastebuds.
- Black Beans: Hearty, nutritious nuggets add depth and texture to every bite.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It smothers the tots in cheesy goodness.
- Pico de Gallo or Diced Tomatoes: A fresh, vibrant burst of flavor brightens up the dish.
- Red Onion: It adds a subtle, tangy crunch.
- Black Olives: They add a hint of sophistication to the mix.
- Pickled Jalapenos: The spicy kick wakes up your palate and keeps things interesting.
- Sour Cream: It’ll tame the heat and add a tangy twist.
- Guacamole: It brings the flavors together in perfect harmony.
How to Make Totchos
- Bake the tots:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Cook the beef mixture:
- While the tater tots bake, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Layer:
- Sprinkle the cooked taco meat evenly over the crispy tater tots. Top with the black beans and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Melt the cheese:
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add the toppings:
- Remove from the oven and top the cheesy totchos with the pico de gallo, red onion, black olives, and pickled jalapenos. Add dollops of sour cream and guacamole.
- Serve:
- Serve the loaded totchos immediately while hot. Enjoy!
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Tips for the Best Totchos
Totchos are so easy, but these tips take them over the top!
- Ditch the grease. After cooking the ground beef, drain any excess grease to avoid greasy totchos.
- Put in the prep work. Prepare all the fresh toppings like pico de gallo, onion, olives, and jalapenos while the totchos bake.
- Be super cheesy. Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco for complex flavor.
- Pick your protein. Offer different protein options like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo.
- Make them meatless. Use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese for a meat-free alternative.
- Make them pretty. Serve in a cast-iron skillet or on a large platter for an impressive look.
- Go wild with toppings. Consider adding sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, green onions, queso, or a drizzle of taco sauce for extra flavor and texture.
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How to Store
To Store: Place leftover totchos in an air-tight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping cold toppings like sour cream and guacamole separate.
To Reheat: Preheat oven to 375°F and spread totchos on a baking sheet. Bake for 10–15 minutes until hot and crispy. Then, add fresh cold toppings before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of cheese works best for totchos?
Sharp cheddar is a favorite, but blending it with Monterey Jack or queso fresco adds richness and variety.
- → Can I make totchos vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese. Add more beans or roasted veggies for extra heartiness.
- → How do I keep totchos from getting soggy?
Make sure the tots are baked until crisp, and add wet toppings like salsa or sour cream just before serving.
- → What toppings go well with totchos?
Try pico de gallo, jalapeños, olives, sour cream, guacamole, and chopped green onions for a flavorful combo.
- → Can I make totchos ahead of time?
Prepare the beef and toppings in advance, but bake the tots fresh and assemble just before serving for best texture.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until hot and crisp, then add cold toppings like sour cream afterward.