Totchos!
Have you guys had Totchos? They are nachos made with tater tots and they are amazing. I’ve had them a few times when we’ve been out and about. I keep telling myself we need to make them at home. That time has come!
I’m also sharing them today because they are great for a group. I know a lot of you are probably having BBQs or get-togethers for the 3-day weekend. Totchos are great as a meal for 4-6 people, or as a snack/appetizer for up 8 people.
Let’s make Totchos!
First, we need to cook the tater tots. Follow the cooking directions on whatever brand of tots you buy, except put the tots on a foil-lined cookie sheet and coat them in cooking spray before putting them in the oven. This will ensure they have a really crispy texture, which is important. With the toppings they can sometimes get a bit soggy. (You can also deep fry them, but that may be more of a hassle and even less healthy).
While the tots are in the oven get started on the taco meat. Brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat, until the meat is cooked through. Add a packet of taco seasoning and mix it into the ground beef. You could also make your own Taco Seasoning and use that.
Once the tots are done baking, take them out of the oven. Put the oven at 400° (if it’s not there already). Top with the taco meat and your cheese (alllll the cheese- yum!) .
Return the tray to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
You’re almost ready to serve! If you have finicky eaters, you can stop here and put all the toppings out for people to add themselves. If you have people that will eat anything, top the Totchos with the olives, tomatoes, and green onions.
Put the Totchos out with the remaining toppings (sour cream, etc.) on the side. I know it seems strange, but I would recommend eating these with a fork. Tater tots don’t provide the clean edges you get with Nachos so they’re super messy to eat with your fingers.
Let people go to town!
This recipe will make 4 large servings or 6-8 appetizer-sized servings.
You can also make these vegetarian by substituting the ground beef for seasoned black beans.
Ingredients
- 1 bag tater tots
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Your favorite taco spices, or 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 white onion, finely diced
- 1 small can sliced olives
- 3 green onions, sliced
- salsa
- sour cream
Instructions
- Follow the cooking directions on whatever brand of tots you buy, except put the tots on a foil-lined cookie sheet and coat them in cooking spray before putting them in the oven.
- While the tots are cooking, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat, until the meat is cooked through.
- Add a packet of taco seasoning (or your own seasoning) and mix it into the ground beef.
- Once the tots are done baking, take them out of the oven.
- Put the oven at 400°.
- Top with the taco meat and your cheese. Put the tray back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Top the Totchos with the olives, tomatoes, and green onions.
- Put the Totchos out with the remaining toppings (sour cream, etc.) on the side.