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Crispy Loaded Taco Tater Tots Recipe with Savory Beef and Cheese

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A quick and easy comfort food recipe featuring crispy tater tots topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect for potlucks, game days, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 32 oz (900 g) frozen tater tots
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 packet (about 2 tbsp) taco seasoning mix
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes, fresh or canned, drained
  • 3–4 stalks sliced green onions
  • 2–3 jalapeño slices (optional), seeds removed to reduce heat
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Olive oil or cooking spray (to grease baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a greased baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  3. While the tots bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the taco seasoning and ¼ cup (60 ml) water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the seasoning is absorbed and the mixture thickens slightly.
  5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the crispy tater tots.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously over the beef layer. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove from oven and top with fresh diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and jalapeño slices if using.
  8. Finish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure crispiness. Brown beef properly for best flavor. Let the dish rest 2-3 minutes after baking to set the cheese. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Reheat leftovers in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness; avoid microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tots, taco, ground beef, cheese, comfort food, easy recipe, loaded tots, game day food, family recipe

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/crispy-loaded-taco-tater-tots-recipe-with-savory-beef-and-cheese-easy-step-by-step-guide/