Loaded Tater Tots Nachos Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 bag (2 lbs) frozen tater tots
• 1 pound lean 90/10 ground beef
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 6 mini sweet peppers or 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 6 strips center cut bacon, sliced
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 4 tsp taco seasoning
• 56 g (1/2 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
• 28 g (1/4 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Hot sauce for topping
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. While the tater tots bake, slice the bacon strips and cook them over medium heat in a pan until crispy. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
3. Using a spatula and paper towel, wipe down the pan carefully leaving some grease behind. Add diced bell peppers and onion to the pan, lightly season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 1 minute.
4. Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until mostly browned with some pink remaining.
5. Stir in 4 teaspoons taco seasoning and 1/4 cup salsa. Continue cooking and mixing for about 5 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
6. Spray a 10.5-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick spray. Place a layer of baked tater tots on the bottom, then spread half the beef mixture on top. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup mozzarella over the beef. Add another layer of tater tots carefully fitted, then spread the remaining beef mixture and top with cooked bacon strips and the final 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese.
7. Place the assembled skillet back into the oven and bake for 10 minutes until all cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Add hot sauce and sour cream or Greek yogurt as desired before serving. Scoop portions and enjoy!

Notes

• Use a deep cast iron skillet for easier layering, but any baking dish or sheet will work.
• Since all components are pre-cooked, you can assemble in bowls or plates for a no-bake option.
• Feel free to add other favorite nacho toppings like jalapeños, olives, or lettuce.
• For a crispier tater tot option, try cooking them in the air fryer before assembling.
• This recipe is indulgent but highly customizable to fit different dietary preferences or ingredient availability.