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Tachos bring together crispy tater tots, savory seasoned beef, and melting nacho cheese with a handful of fresh toppings for a fun and easy crowd-pleaser. This recipe is perfect when you want a casual appetizer or a playful dinner that feels indulgent without much fuss. Everyone loves piling on whatever fixings they want, making it a versatile choice for gatherings or an easy weeknight treat.
I first made this during a casual game night and it was such a hit that it quickly became our go to snack whenever friends come over. The best part is everyone can build their own plate exactly how they like it.
Ingredients
- Frozen tater tots: Frozen tater tots for a crispy, golden base choose your favorite brand or swap for French fries if you prefer
- Ground beef: Ground beef brings hearty protein I used 93 percent lean but you can substitute with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor twist
- Yellow onion: Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth pick a firm onion without soft spots
- Taco seasoning packet: Taco seasoning packet simplifies flavoring the beef homemade seasoning works wonderfully too if you want more control over spices
- Water: Water to help the seasoning meld into the beef without drying it out be careful to add the correct amount for best texture
- Nacho cheese: Nacho cheese for creamy, melty topping canned or jarred works well but you could also melt Velveeta or make your own cheese sauce
- Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add brightness and a bit of acidity fresh and firm ones offer the best texture
- Jalapeños: Jalapeños for a punch of heat fresh or pickled according to your taste
- Cilantro: Cilantro for a fresh herbal note though you can swap with parsley or skip if you are not a fan
- Sour cream: Sour cream is the classic cool, creamy contrast either dolloped on top or served on the side
Instructions
- Bake tater tots:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray to help the tater tots crisp nicely. Place the tater tots evenly spaced out on the sheet and bake according to package instructions until crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes so they don’t overcook.
- Cook beef and onion:
- In a medium sauté pan set to medium heat, add the ground beef and diced yellow onion. Cook the mixture while breaking up the beef with a spoon. Continue cooking for about seven minutes until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Season meat:
- Stir in the taco seasoning packet and add the precise amount of water the recipe calls for. This helps create a delicious saucy coating for the meat without making it runny. Allow the mixture to cook and absorb flavors while stirring for two to three minutes.
- Assemble tots and meat:
- Take the crispy tater tots from the oven and transfer them onto a serving plate or keep them on the baking sheet. Evenly spread the cooked taco meat over the top of the tater tots to build the first flavorful layer.
- Add cheese and toppings:
- Generously spoon the nacho cheese over the meat and tater tots while the dish is still warm so it melts slightly. Next add sliced cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro to add color and brightness.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with sour cream on top or on the side for everyone to add as they please. This dish tastes best fresh but can be reheated gently if needed.
My favorite part of this recipe is the crispy tater tot base. It changes the game from regular nachos and creates a fun, comforting texture. One of my best memories with this dish is a casual weekend afternoon where everyone gathered around the plate talking and laughing as they built their perfect “tachos.”
Storage tips
If you have leftovers, store just the seasoned beef and tater tots separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the beef gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist. Warm the tots in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness. Avoid assembling in advance to prevent sogginess.
Ingredient substitutions
Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, pork, or spicy chorizo to change flavors while keeping the cooking method the same. Instead of canned nacho cheese, melt your favorite cheese like Velveeta or make a quick cheese sauce with cheddar and milk for a homemade touch. Fresh jalapeños can be replaced with pickled ones or omitted if you prefer a milder dish.
Serving suggestions
Serve Tachos with a side of guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, or black beans to make it a fuller meal. A crisp green salad balances the richness perfectly. For extra fun, let guests add their favorite toppings like olives, green onions, or hot sauce.
Enjoy Tachos fresh so tots stay crisp and flavors are at their best. Let guests customize their plates to keep it fun and simple.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I prepare ingredients in advance?
Yes, cook the meat and tater tots ahead but assemble just before serving to keep the tots crisp. Store prepped items covered in the refrigerator.
- → What is the best way to cook tater tots?
Tater tots can be baked in the oven or cooked in an air fryer. Air frying may require batches depending on the appliance size.
- → Which toppings can I add?
Popular additions include black beans, salsa, green onions, pico de gallo, lettuce, or guacamole to complement the base flavors.
- → Can I make my own cheese sauce?
Absolutely, homemade nacho cheese sauces like Velveeta or queso blanco blends work well if you prefer scratch-made toppings.
- → Are there alternatives to ground beef?
You can swap ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, chicken, pork, or chorizo, cooking them similarly to maintain flavor.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat using an oven, air fryer, or microwave for best results.