Tachos (Tater Tot Nachos)

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mashup: Tachos—that’s tater tot nachos, if you haven’t caught on yet! Imagine crispy, golden tater tots loaded up with all the classic nacho toppings—melted cheese, zesty jalapeños, creamy sour cream, and a little salsa on the side. Trust me, this is one snack you’ll want to devour. Whether you’re hanging out with friends, watching the game, or just craving something irresistible, these Tachos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. So, get ready to dig in and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!

Why You’ll Love Tachos (Tater Tot Nachos)

Irresistibly Crispy

Tater tots are already a favorite for their crispy, golden exterior. When they’re loaded with nacho toppings, they become the perfect base for an unforgettable snack that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Flavor Explosion

The combination of cheesy goodness, savory meat, tangy jalapeños, and fresh toppings makes each bite of Tachos a full-on flavor explosion. It’s everything you love about nachos but with a crispy twist.

Quick & Easy

Who doesn’t love a snack that’s quick and simple to make? These Tachos come together in minutes and will have you snacking in no time—no need for fancy prep or cooking techniques!

Customizable

Want to add some guacamole? More cheese? You can customize Tachos to your heart’s content! Whether you prefer extra heat or extra cheese, this dish is all about what YOU love.

Perfect for Sharing

Whether you’re watching a movie, hanging out with friends, or hosting a game day party, Tachos are the perfect food to share. The generous portion sizes make them great for a group to snack on together!

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these awesome Tachos:

For the Tachos:

  • Frozen tater tots
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
  • Ground beef (or ground chicken or turkey, optional)
  • Jalapeños (sliced, fresh or pickled)
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa (or pico de gallo)
  • Green onions (chopped)
  • Guacamole (optional, but highly recommended)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Are you ready to make Tachos? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Cook the Tater Tots

Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the tater tots. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet, and bake until they’re golden brown and crispy. Typically, this takes about 20-25 minutes, but check the package for specific instructions.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Meat (Optional)

While the tater tots are baking, cook your ground beef (or any other protein of choice) in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (chili powder or cumin adds a nice touch). Cook until browned and fully cooked through, then set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Tachos

Once your tater tots are crispy and golden, take them out of the oven and place them on a large platter or baking sheet. Now it’s time to load them up! Start by sprinkling a generous amount of cheese over the hot tater tots so it can melt beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Top the cheesy tater tots with your cooked ground meat (if using), sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, and any other toppings you love! Finish it off with some chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for that extra pop of freshness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Dig in while they’re hot! Tachos are best enjoyed right away when the cheese is melty, the tots are crispy, and everything is perfectly loaded. You might want to grab a fork—or just use your hands (we won’t judge)!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 540mg
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 13g
Vitamin A: 10% DV
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 8% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Tachos

These Tachos are perfect on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to take them to the next level:

With Extra Dips

Serve Tachos with a side of extra dipping sauces, like extra salsa, ranch dressing, or a spicy chipotle mayo. These extra dips add another layer of flavor to your snack.

As a Meal

Serve Tachos with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The tater tots are hearty enough to be the star of the plate, so pair them with something light and fresh to balance out the richness.

For a Game Day Spread

Tachos are perfect for game day! Add some other finger foods like buffalo wings, pigs in a blanket, or mozzarella sticks for an epic spread. Everyone will love grazing on these!

With a Cold Drink

Pair your Tachos with a cold beverage, whether it’s a beer, margarita, or sparkling water. The refreshing drink complements the rich, cheesy nachos perfectly.

Additional Tips

  • Make Them Spicy: If you like extra heat, toss the tater tots with some chili powder or cayenne pepper before baking them for a spicy kick.
  • Meat Alternatives: You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or crumbled tofu.
  • Customize the Cheese: Try using a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella and cheddar, for a gooey, melty topping.
  • Veggie Options: Add some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or olives to give your Tachos more color and flavor. Roasted corn also makes a great addition!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use sweet potato tater tots for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Sweet potato tater tots will give a slightly different flavor but still work perfectly in this recipe. They’ll add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory toppings.

Q2: Can I make Tachos ahead of time?
A2: Tachos are best served fresh while the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melty. However, you can prepare the toppings ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze Tachos for later?
A3: You can freeze the assembled Tachos before baking. Place the assembled tots on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container. Bake them directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Q4: Can I make these vegetarian?
A4: Yes, simply swap the meat for black beans, refried beans, or even roasted veggies for a vegetarian version. You can also add some guacamole for extra richness.

Q5: What other toppings can I add to my Tachos?
A5: The sky’s the limit! You can add guacamole, diced tomatoes, olives, shredded lettuce, or even a drizzle of nacho cheese sauce. Get creative with your toppings!

Q6: Can I use homemade tater tots?
A6: Absolutely! If you have the time, making homemade tater tots will add an extra layer of flavor to this dish. Just be sure to cook them until crispy before adding your toppings.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A7: Yes, feel free to use any cheese you prefer. Pepper jack cheese adds a nice spicy kick, or you could use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey, melty result.

Q8: Can I make Tachos in the air fryer?
A8: Yes! You can air fry the tater tots instead of baking them in the oven. Just air fry them according to the package instructions, then top them with your nacho ingredients and bake for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Q9: How do I store leftover Tachos?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, definitely! Just make sure to use a large enough baking sheet or divide the Tachos into two smaller sheets to ensure everything bakes evenly.

Conclusion

These Tachos are a fun and delicious twist on classic nachos that are sure to be a hit with family and friends. With crispy tater tots, melted cheese, and all your favorite nacho toppings, this snack is the perfect way to indulge in comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something cheesy and crispy, Tachos are the way to go. Get ready for an explosion of flavor in every bite!

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Tachos (Tater Tot Nachos)


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Description

  • Tachos are the ultimate mash-up of crispy tater tots and loaded nachos! With a base of golden tater tots topped with melted cheese, seasoned beef, sour cream, jalapeños, and more, this dish is a fun, crowd-pleasing treat. Perfect for parties, snack time, or anytime you’re craving comfort food!

Ingredients

Scale


  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots


  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)


  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)


  • 1/2 cup water (for taco seasoning)


  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)


  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra gooeyness)


  • 1/2 cup sour cream


  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)


  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)


  • 1/4 cup diced red onion


  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions


  • 1/4 cup black olives (optional)


  • 1/4 cup guacamole (optional)


  • Salsa (optional for serving)


  • Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)



Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tater Tots:
    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake according to the package instructions until crispy and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

  2. Cook the Ground Beef:
    While the tater tots are baking, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully coated and the seasoning is absorbed. Remove from heat.

  3. Assemble the Tachos:
    Once the tater tots are cooked, spread them out on a large serving platter or baking sheet. Sprinkle the cooked ground beef evenly over the tater tots. Then, top with shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella (if using).

  4. Melt the Cheese:
    Place the platter or baking sheet with the tater tots and toppings back into the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  5. Top the Tachos:
    Once the cheese is melted, remove the platter from the oven. Top with diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, black olives (if using), and sliced green onions. Add a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on top, if desired.

  6. Garnish and Serve:
    Garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the tater tots are still warm!

Notes

  • Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. You can add things like bacon bits, diced avocado, or shredded lettuce for extra crunch.

  • If you want to make these vegetarian, swap the ground beef for black beans or a veggie taco filling.

  • For extra spice, add more jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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