Tater Tot Nachos are the perfect mix of tater tots and nachos. Baked tater tots are topped with seasoned ground beef, jalapenos, tomatoes, avocadoes, and sour cream.

Tater Tot Nachos, or “Totchos” as many people call them, are a fun spin on traditional nachos. We swapped out the tortilla chips for baked tater tots, then piled on the toppings. It’s one of our favorite tater tot recipes!

Totchos are similar to our loaded potato nachos. Both use a form of potatoes as the base, but the toppings are a little different.

Tater tot nachos are crazy easy to make but do take a bit of time to cook the ingredients. They make a decent amount, so there’s plenty to share.

These are a great option for get togethers along with our taco dip with meat, crockpot BBQ meatballs, firecracker crackers, fried cheese curds, or cheesy garlic bread.

How to Make Tater Tot Nachos with Ground Beef:

The key to preparing ground beef totchos more quickly is multitasking and getting the ingredients prepped ahead of time.

Place the frozen tater tots on a large baking sheet, and bake according to the package directions. While the tater tots bake, cook the ground beef.
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, half the onions, and the taco seasoning.
Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the ground beef, and cook until no pink remains. Remove from heat, and drain any excess grease.
After the tater tots bake, remove them from the oven and layer on the seasoned ground beef.
Sprinkle on the shredded cheese and remaining onions. Return the pan back to the oven just long enough to allow the cheese to melt.
Add your favorite toppings and serve hot!

Collage showing how to make tater tot nachos.

Tips and Variations:

We used shredded cheddar cheese for these tater tot nachos, but feel free to swap it out with your favorite variety. Some great options are pepper jack, Monterey jack, or jarred nacho cheese sauce.
There are multiple varieties of taco seasoning ranging from spicy to mild and even cheesy flavors. Use your favorite.
If spicy jalapenos aren’t your thing, try a tamed jalapeno. They have less heat and taste the same as the spicy variety.
Pile these nachos up with your favorite chili or beans. Top them off with dollops of sour cream, guacamole, and spoonfuls of pico de gallo or salsa.
Make these tater tot nachos Irish-style by using shredded corned beef, sauerkraut, provolone and white cheddar cheeses, and a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing.
These nachos can be prepared as a meatless tater tot appetizer, too! Simply omit the ground beef and add your favorite veggies like sauteed onions and peppers, diced avocados, olives, tomatoes, jalapenos, or any other vegetables toppings and you have vegetarian tater tot nachos.

What do you put on top of tater tots?

Since we made these tater tot nachos with ground beef, we tend to add taco toppings. However, you can add whatever you like to your totchos. Here are a few ideas:

Diced Tomatoes
Sour Cream
Diced Avocados
Jalapenos
Diced Onions
Guacamole
Cilantro
Salsa
Black Olives
Green Chiles
Cheese Sauce
Pico de Gallo

Do you have to use ground beef on tater tot nachos?

No, you can use any protein you like. Some other options are shredded beef, shredded chicken, shredded BBQ chicken, pulled pork, brisket, buffalo chicken, chorizo or ground turkey.

Another option is to leave the meat off and go vegetarian or vegan. Load the totchos up with tons of veggies and a meat substitute.

Can you use fried tater tots instead of baked tater tots?

Sure! Fried tater tots would work well. Be sure to drain them on paper towels before adding the other ingredients.

Close up photo of tater tot nachos with ground beef.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: These nachos store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Some of the ingredients, like diced avocado or guacamole, may begin to brown or darken in color.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended.

Reheating: These nachos reheat well in a toaster oven or conventional oven until warmed through as long as there is no tomato, avocado, sour cream, guacamole, etc. Microwaving for a few seconds until warm is another option.

Other Appetizer Recipes to Try:

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