Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients to elevate simple tater tots into a fully loaded, flavour-packed feast. Over the years, I’ve learned that quality cheese and fresh toppings make all the difference—something my grandmother always insisted on. Feel free to swap or add ingredients depending on what you have; the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled ground beef or turkey (optional)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
If you want to make a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy punch. For a dairy-free twist, swap out cheese and sour cream for plant-based versions—I’ve found that even my picky eaters enjoy the vegan options.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- While the tots are baking, cook your ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat, then set aside. (Skip this step if making vegetarian.)
- Once the tots are crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Layer the cooked meat, black beans, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and jalapeños evenly over the tots.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and scatter green onions and cilantro over the top. Dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side or drizzle over the nachos.
- Serve immediately, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy the melty, crispy goodness.
One tip I picked up from those hectic kitchen days is to keep an eye on the cheese during the final bake—it melts quickly, so don’t wander too far!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
