Name: Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
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, to taste; Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving

If you love nachos but crave something a little heartier and more fun, you’re going to adore this Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe. It’s the perfect cozy dish that combines golden, crispy tater tots with savory beef, bacon, melty cheeses, and just the right kick of seasoning.

This image shows a dish in a black skillet made of many layers. The bottom layer is made of soft, cooked potatoes mixed with small pieces of red and yellow bell peppers. On top of that, there is a layer of cooked ground meat with bits of cooked onion. Above the meat, there is a layer of melted cheese that looks gooey and slightly browned. Then a layer of chunky red tomato sauce is spread on top. On the very top, shredded pale green lettuce pieces are scattered, along with dollops of white sour cream and crispy dark red bacon pieces. The dish looks warm and hearty, sitting on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, every time I make this loaded tater tot nacho casserole, it feels like a celebration in my kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that your whole family will crowd around and beg for again and again.

Crisp and Comforting: Baking the tater tots until they’re perfectly crispy adds that irresistible crunch.
Flavor-Packed Layers: The combination of taco-seasoned ground beef, sautéed veggies, and smoky bacon hits all the right savory notes.
Easy to Customize: Add your favorite nacho toppings or swap ingredients without losing the magic.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields 8 hearty servings, making it great for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a quick look at the key ingredients that bring this dish together. Most are easy to find at any grocery store, and I’ll share little tips on why I choose each one to keep your nachos tasting their absolute best.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden frozen tater tots, a mound of raw lean ground beef, a medium fresh sweet onion sliced in half revealing its white layers, six colorful mini sweet peppers arranged in a fan, six strips of uncooked center cut bacon neatly stacked, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red chunky salsa, a small white ceramic bowl holding warm orange shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy white shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of thick white sour cream, two whole uncracked brown eggs placed nearby, all perfectly arranged in symmetrical balance and natural proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen Tater Tots: The base of our dish—crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, they provide texture and heartiness.
Lean Ground Beef: Using 90/10 lean beef keeps the filling juicy but not greasy, perfect for layering flavor.
Sweet Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and slight crunch to balance the spicy taco seasoning.
Mini Sweet Peppers or Bell Pepper: Colorful and mildly sweet, these give a fresh bite to the beef mixture.
Center Cut Bacon: Sliced and crisped to add smoky depth and irresistible crunch.
Salsa: Brings moisture, tang, and a touch of zest to the beef.
Taco Seasoning: The flavor backbone—spicy, earthy, and aromatic, it transforms the ground beef into a fiesta of taste.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A classic melty cheese that adds sharpness and gooey goodness.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mild and stringy, it helps create that cheesy pull everyone loves.
Hot Sauce: Optional but highly recommended for a little extra heat kick.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Perfect for cooling off the spices and adding a creamy finish to your serving.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe is how easy it is to customize it to your tastes and pantry. Whether you want to turn up the heat, add some fresh veggies, or make it a bit lighter, you’ve got a delicious base that welcomes all kinds of variations.

Make it Vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef and bacon for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or even a smoky plant-based meat substitute. I tried this once with seasoned black beans and it was a hit for our meatless Monday dinner!
Spice it Up: If you love bold flavors, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture. Drizzling extra hot sauce over the top before baking adds a wonderful kick.
Seasonal Twist: Swap mini sweet peppers for diced roasted corn or tomatoes during summer months. The sweetness complements the savory layers perfectly.
Swap the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with pepper jack or a smoky gouda instead of mozzarella to add a new depth of flavor.
Air Fryer Shortcut: If you prefer using an air fryer, you can crisp the tater tots that way—With the Woodruffs has an excellent recipe for loaded tater tots cooked in the air fryer that you might want to try for a slightly different texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe

A white plate holds a dish made of golden brown tater tots at the bottom layer, topped with browned ground meat mixed with orange melted cheese, bits of chopped white onion, and a drizzle of thick dark red sauce on top. The textures include the crispy tots, crumbly meat, and smooth sauce. The background shows a black cast iron skillet on a white marbled countertop with some diced green vegetables visible in the skillet. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Those Tater Tots Crispy and Golden

First things first, preheat your oven to a warm and toasty 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread your frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on a baking sheet. The key here is to give each tot a little breathing room so they crisp up nicely. Bake them for about 30 minutes until they’re perfectly golden brown and have that satisfying crunch—that’s what brings the “crispy” to our Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe!

Step 2: Cook Up Crispy Bacon and Sauté Your Veggies

While the tots are crisping up, slice those 6 strips of center-cut bacon into smaller pieces to speed up cooking. Toss them into a pan over medium heat and cook until wonderfully crispy. Once done, drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up that extra grease—perfect for keeping your layers neat. Using a spatula and a paper towel, wipe most of the leftover bacon grease from the pan, leaving just a little for flavor. Then in goes your diced sweet onion and mini sweet peppers. Let them sauté gently for about a minute until they soften just a bit and release their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Season It

Add your one pound of lean 90/10 ground beef to those softened veggies in the pan. Use a spatula to break the meat up and cook it until it’s mostly browned but still a little pink in spots—this helps keep it juicy. Now for the flavor: stir in 4 teaspoons of taco seasoning and ¼ cup of salsa to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly, and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and those flavors meld beautifully. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 4: Layer Your Nacho Casserole Like a Pro

Spray a 10.5-inch cast iron skillet generously with nonstick spray—you want to make sure none of this deliciousness sticks. Start by layering half of your crispy baked tater tots evenly on the bottom. Next, spread half of your flavorful seasoned beef and veggie mixture over the tots. Sprinkle ¼ cup shredded cheddar and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef. For an extra zing, drizzle some hot sauce on this layer if you’re feeling adventurous.

Now carefully arrange the remaining tater tots on top, fitting them together like a puzzle so they fully cover the beef and cheese layer. Add on the rest of the seasoned beef mixture, scatter the crispy bacon pieces evenly, and finally top everything off with the last ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Serve with a Smile

Slide the skillet back into your oven and bake for about 10 minutes, just long enough to let all the cheeses melt into gooey, bubbly goodness. When you take it out, be careful—cast iron retains heat like a champ. Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This rest time also helps everything settle, making it easier to serve. Add your favorite finishing touches like a dollop of creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt, and maybe even some fresh lettuce for crunch. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the mighty deliciousness of your homemade Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos!

Top Tip

To get the absolute best from your Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe, these tried-and-true tips will take your dish from good to unforgettable.

Layering for Crunch: Be deliberate when placing the second layer of tater tots. Fitting them like puzzle pieces ensures full coverage and prevents sogginess by locking in that crispy texture.
Skillet Choice Matters: Using a deep 10.5-inch cast iron skillet makes layering a breeze and helps everything cook evenly. I learned that trying this recipe in a shallow pan sometimes leads to uneven melting and toppings sliding off.
Keep Some Bacon Grease: Don’t fully wipe out the pan before sautéing onions and peppers—leaving a little bacon fat adds flavor and richness to the veggies and beef mixture.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Let your nachos cool for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This resting period helps the cheese set just right, so your servings hold together beautifully without falling apart.

How to Serve Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe

A black frying pan sits on a stove with a wooden spatula resting inside its edge. The pan contains three layers: the bottom layer is made of small diced vegetables including white onions and orange-yellow bell peppers, which are evenly spread across the pan and slightly cooked. In the center, on top of the vegetables, there is a mound of raw ground meat with a pinkish-red color and a soft texture. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your nachos with fresh garnishes like crisp shredded lettuce, dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños for heat, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce adds a nice punch and keeps it customizable for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

Serve these loaded nachos alongside a simple fresh salad, like a crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in lime juice, or some classic Mexican street corn (elote) to complement the cheesy, smoky flavors. Chips and guacamole or a quick black bean salad round out the meal perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making a great next-day meal or snack.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked casserole in a tightly sealed container or wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap. It’s best eaten within 2 months for optimal freshness—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure your taco seasoning and salsa are labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients—tater tots, ground beef, vegetables, bacon, and cheeses—are naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare this recipe without a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely! Though a 10.5-inch cast iron skillet is recommended, you can use a baking sheet, cake pan, or any small baking dish. Just be mindful of layering and adjust baking times slightly if needed.

Is it okay to add other toppings?

Definitely! This Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe is very flexible. Jalapeños, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or even avocado chunks all make excellent additions based on your taste.

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

While this recipe is designed for the oven, you can find great air fryer loaded tater tot ideas from sources like With the Woodruffs, which can inspire a quicker or alternative cooking method.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy night in, this Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe never fails to impress. The combination of layers—from crispy tots to savory beef, melty cheese, and crunchy bacon—creates a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it finds a happy spot on your weekly dinner rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!