Totchos

Whenever I think of comfort food, my mind instantly drifts to Totchos. This dish beautifully marries the joy of nachos with the crispy delight of tater tots, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s game night, a cozy movie marathon, or a casual gathering with friends, Totchos never fails to impress. I fondly remember the first time I made them; the kitchen was filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and melting cheese, instantly drawing everyone in. It’s hard not to smile when you see a plate of golden, crispy tater tots piled high with savory toppings!

Recipe Ingredients for Totchos

The ingredients for Totchos come together in a delicious harmony that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Each component plays a vital role, contributing to the overall experience of the dish. The tater tots serve as the crispy base, while the taco seasoning, ground beef, and black beans bring depth and a hearty aspect. Topped with shredded cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cilantro, it’s an explosion of flavors that you won’t forget!

• Cumin: 1 teaspoon – This spice adds a warm and earthy flavor that complements the other spices beautifully.
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon – Gives a kick of heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon – Infuses a lovely savory aroma and taste throughout the dish.
• Morton Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon – Balances and enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon – Provides a slight heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
• Frozen Tater Tots: 32 ounces – The star of the show; they provide the crispy and comforting base.
• Taco Seasoning: 1 recipe, divided – A combination of spices that elevates the flavors of the beef and tots.
• Lean Ground Beef or Turkey: 1 pound – Adds protein and heartiness to the dish.
• Restaurant-Style Salsa: ¼ cup – Introduces a fresh tomato flavor and a bit of zest.
• Black Beans: ½ cup, rinsed and drained – A great source of fiber, adding texture and flavor.
• Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: 8 ounces – Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy layer on top.
• Diced Fresh Tomatoes: 1 cup – Brightens the dish with freshness and acidity.
• Diced Red Onion: ¼ cup – Adds a sharp flavor and crunch.
• Chopped Green Onion: ¼ cup – Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the dish.
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro Leaves: ¼ cup – Enhances the flavor profile with a fresh herbaceous note.
• Guacamole: To taste – Creamy and rich, it elevates the dish even more.
• Sour Cream: To taste – Adds a cool, creamy finish.
• Restaurant-Style Salsa: For serving – Option for extra zing and flavor.
• Pico de Gallo: For serving – Bright and fresh, it’s a perfect topping.

Directions for Totchos

Making Totchos is a delightful process that results in a mouthwatering dish. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying blend of flavors and textures as you follow these simple steps!

1. Start by grabbing a small bowl, and place all the seasoning ingredients for the taco seasoning in it. Stir to combine everything well. This will ensure that all the flavors meld beautifully together.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F. While that’s warming up, take a large rimmed baking pan, preferably around 12 inches by 18 inches, and lay down the frozen tater tots in a single layer. Make sure they’re not crowded so each one can get crisp.
3. Once your oven is preheated, sprinkle the tater tots evenly with 2 teaspoons of your taco seasoning mix. Gently fold the tots to incorporate the seasoning, ensuring every piece has a touch of flavor.
4. Now, bake the tater tots according to the package directions. About halfway through the baking, fold the tater tots gently to promote even cooking. To truly achieve that extra crispy texture, add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time. Every brand of tater tots may vary, so keep an eye on them!
5. While the tater tots are baking away, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef or turkey. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, making sure it’s nearly cooked through. After a few minutes, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
6. Mix in the salsa and the remaining taco seasoning into the skillet with the meat. Stir well and cook just until the meat is fully cooked and looks nicely incorporated without any wetness.
7. When the tater tots are crispy and golden, sprinkle the cooked taco beef over the top of them in the baking pan. Next, layer on the black beans and sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over everything.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the cheese is gloriously melted, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
9. Once melted, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Immediately top your Totchos with diced tomatoes, red onion, and green onion. Drizzle dollops of guacamole and sour cream on top, or offer these on the side for your guests to serve themselves.
10. Serve your Totchos with additional salsa and pico de gallo on the side. If you’re a heat lover, consider adding fresh jalapeño wheels or pickled jalapeños. For an extra touch, pickled red onions are also a fantastic addition. Enjoy your delicious creation while it’s hot and crispy!

Recipe Notes about Totchos

When preparing Totchos, there are a few important tips to keep in mind to enhance your experience.

• Storage: Store any leftover Totchos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for up to three days.
• Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy Totchos fresh, you can freeze the toppings separately. Reheat the tater tots and add the toppings once thawed.
• Pairing: Serve your Totchos alongside a crisp green salad or some spicy jalapeño poppers for a fun and indulgent meal.
• Healthier Options: For a lighter version, consider using baked tater tots or turkey meat instead of ground beef.
• Spicy Variations: If you love the heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for an extra kick!

Serve This Totchos With

When it comes to serving Totchos, the possibilities are endless, making it a versatile dish for various occasions.

• Game Nights: They’re perfect for game nights, allowing everyone to enjoy while cheering for their favorite team.
• Movie Marathons: Pair them with a fun film for a cozy night in. They’re the ultimate snack alongside your favorite flick.
• Casual Gatherings: Serve Totchos at casual get-togethers, allowing guests to customize their plates.
• Outdoor Picnics: They can be made in advance and served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for outdoor events.
• Delightful Dips: Offer a selection of dips such as guacamole, sour cream, and salsa to enhance the flavor profile.
• Seasonal Celebrations: These are great for gatherings during fall celebrations, bringing warmth and comfort to any table.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Totchos are a delightful combination of crispy tater tots and flavorful toppings that make for a fun and satisfying dish. They are perfect for any casual gathering or cozy night in. I encourage you to try making Totchos tonight and experience the joy they bring to the table. You won’t regret it!

Totchos

The ultimate comfort food, Totchos combine crispy tater tots with savory toppings like seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh veggies for a crunchy, cheesy delight. Perfect for gatherings or cozy movie nights, these are sure to satisfy any craving. Make them tonight for a fun twist on nachos!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizers, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Morton Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 32 ounces Frozen Tater Tots
• 1 recipe Taco Seasoning (above) divided
• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef or Turkey
• ¼ cup Restaurant-Style Salsa
• ½ cup Black Beans rinsed and drained, gently patted dried with a paper towel
• 8 ounces Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese about 2 cups
• 1 cup Diced Fresh Tomatoes
• ¼ cup Diced Red Onion
• ¼ cup Chopped Green Onion
• ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Leaves
• Guacamole to taste
• Sour Cream to taste
• Restaurant-Style Salsa for serving
• Pico de Gallo for serving

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Blender
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Place all taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Then add frozen tater tots to a large 12" x 18" rimmed baking pan, in a single layer. Sprinkle tater tots evenly with 2 teaspoons of the taco seasoning and fold gently to incorporate.
3. Bake according to package directions, folding the tater tots halfway through, and adding 5-10 minutes to the total bake time to ensure extra crispy tots. I always bake tater tots longer than the package directions specify because I want them crispy. Just keep an eye on them because different brands will suggest different baking times. Also know that they will go back in the oven for another 3-5 minutes to get the cheese melty, so take care to not bake them too much.
4. While tater tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until almost cooked through. Drain away any excess fat.
5. Stir salsa and remaining taco seasoning into the beef. Cook just until beef is cooked through and does not look "wet".
6. Sprinkle cooked taco beef over the crispy tater tots on the large rimmed pan. Then layer on the black beans, followed by the shredded cheese. Place pan in oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Remove totchos from the oven and quickly top with tomatoes, red onion, and green onion. Add dollops of guacamole or chopped avocado and sour cream, or offer these on the side. Serve with additional restaurant-style salsa and/or pico de gallo. Add fresh jalapeno wheels or pickled jalapenos if you like some heat. Pickled red onions are also PERFECTION with totchos. Serve right away, while the tots are hot and crispy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftover Totchos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for up to three days.
• Tip 2: While it’s best to enjoy Totchos fresh, you can freeze the toppings separately. Reheat the tater tots and add the toppings once thawed.
• Tip 3: Serve your Totchos alongside a crisp green salad or some spicy jalapeño poppers for a fun and indulgent meal.
• Tip 4: For a lighter version, consider using baked tater tots or turkey meat instead of ground beef.
• Tip 5: If you love the heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for an extra kick!

Previous PostHomemade Salsa

Next Post Crab Soup

Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.