Ultimate Tater Tot Nacho Platter {Totchos}

Ultimate Tater Tot Nacho Platter, also affectionately called “Totchos,” turns the classic nacho dish into a tantalizing treat by swapping tortilla chips with crispy tater tots. Layered with savory beef, creamy Velveeta, a blend of cheeses, and your favorite toppings, this dish is the perfect centerpiece for game day or a fun, indulgent meal.

Ingredients for Ultimate Tater Tot Nacho Platter

• Tater Tots: The foundation of this dish. Use a bag of frozen tater tots for convenience.
• Ground Beef: The protein in this dish. You can substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds the essential spiced flavor. You can make your own with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• Velveeta Cheese: Known for its smooth melting quality, making it ideal for a creamy cheese layer.
• Assorted Toppings: Customize with tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado. A squeeze of fresh lime juice enhances the flavors.

How to Prepare Ultimate Tater Tot Nacho Platter

1. Bake the Tater Tots: Spread the tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 20-30 minutes until they are crispy and golden.
2. Cook the Beef: While the tots bake, brown the ground beef and diced onions in a skillet until the beef is fully cooked. Stir in taco seasoning and set aside.
3. Assemble the Totchos: Once the tater tots are crispy, sprinkle them with seasoned salt, then layer on the cooked beef, cubes of Velveeta cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Final Bake: Return the tots to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted.
5. Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, dollops of sour cream, cubed avocado, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with fresh lime juice for a zesty finish.

Customizing Your Totchos

Feel free to add other toppings like black olives or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat. The beauty of this dish is its versatility, making it easy to adjust to your taste preferences.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 ounces / 907 grams)
• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef
• ½ cup (120 ml) white onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) seasoned salt
• 16 ounces (453 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup (113 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (118 ml) Roma tomatoes, diced (for garnish)
• 4 green onions, diced (for garnish)
• ½ cup (118 ml) sour cream (for garnish)
• 1 medium avocado, peeled and cubed (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Freshly squeezed lime juice (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Bake the Tater Tots: Spread the tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: While the tater tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the Totchos: Once the tater tots are done, sprinkle them with seasoned salt. Then, evenly top with the cooked ground beef, cubed Velveeta, and shredded cheese.
5. Final Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Add Garnishes and Serve: Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro. Drizzle with fresh lime juice to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

This Ultimate Tater Tot Nacho Platter is more than just a dish; it’s a show-stopping appetizer or meal that brings everyone together. Enjoy crafting this fun and delicious twist on traditional nachos!