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Overhead shot of loaded Tater Tot Nachos featuring crispy tater tots piled high with cheese, toppings, and garnishes.

Ultimate Tater Tot Nachos

These ultimate tater tot nachos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This recipe focuses on achieving maximum crispness and balanced flavor by pre-baking the tater tots, managing moisture, and strategically layering the toppings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional: Sour cream, for topping
  • Optional: Guacamole, for topping
  • Optional: Salsa, for topping
  • Optional: Queso, for topping

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • large skillet
  • spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Colander or strainer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
  4. While the tater tots are baking, brown the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  5. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated.
  6. Once the tater tots are cooked, remove them from the oven. Leave the oven on.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  8. Spoon the seasoned meat over the cheese.
  9. Scatter the sliced jalapeños and chopped red onion over the meat and cheese.
  10. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
  12. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Notes

For extra crispy tater tots, preheat the baking sheet in the oven before adding the tater tots. To reduce moisture, drain the meat thoroughly after browning. You can customize the toppings to your liking, but be mindful of the moisture content. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results. Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend, for variation.