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A generous platter of tater tot nachos piled high with toppings.

Classic Loaded Tater Tot Nachos

These Classic Loaded Tater Tot Nachos are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun weeknight meal, featuring crispy tater tots piled high with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 lb ground beef cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Optional Toppings

  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
  • Diced tomatoes optional
  • Shredded lettuce optional

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or as directed on the package, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • While the tots bake, cook the ground beef thoroughly and season it with taco seasoning.
  • Remove the crispy tots from the oven, then sprinkle 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over them.
  • Distribute the seasoned ground beef over the cheese layer, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack and 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the beef.
  • Return the baking sheet to the oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
  • Carefully remove the nachos from the oven, then dollop with sour cream, spoon salsa evenly, and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.
  • Add optional toppings such as pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder to the ground beef. You can also experiment with different cheese blends for a unique taste. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best results.