Taco Tater Tots

If you feel like something different for dinner that you can easily customize for your own family, then give our Taco Tater Tots a try. They’re easy to put together and can be a deliciously comforting meal all on it’s own.

These Taco Tater Tots also make a great party dish. Whether it’s for the Super Bowl, graduation, birthday or any other kind of party, these are sure to be a hit with everyone. You could even bake the tater tots with just the cheese and then put the rest of the toppings into bowls and make a tater tot nacho station!

WHAT ARE TACO TATER TOTS?

Taco tater tots are a creative twist on traditional nachos where crispy tater tots are used as the base instead of tortilla chips. The concept is similar to traditional nachos, but instead of chips, tater tots are arranged on a baking sheet or dish and then topped with various nacho toppings. Tater tot nachos offer a fun and flavorful twist on a classic snack or appetizer.

This recipe transforms classic tater tots into a flavor-packed sensation that you’ll love. It starts with a crispy bed of golden tater tots, generously topped with seasoned ground turkey, fresh bell peppers, onions, sweet corn, cilantro and lots of melting cheese – a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

My favorite part of the recipe is the spicy cream drizzle, which is a simple combination of two things: sour cream and hot sauce. It adds so much flavor to these! So, whether you’re planning a Game Day party or simply looking for a new dinner idea, these tots are the perfect treat.

INGREDIENTS

• Frozen tater tots – Any brand works! If you have a specific preference, feel free to use those.
• Ground turkey – This is my personal preference, but ground beef is okay too. I use an extra lean ground turkey, so there’s never much leftover fat in the pan. If you choose to use beef or turkey with a higher fat content, just be sure to drain it before throwing in the bell peppers. (Step five in the recipe instructions below.)
• Cumin – One of the seasonings added to the meat for flavor.
• Chipotle chili pepper – I love the flavor in chipotle chili pepper, but if you just have regular chili pepper powder, that also works.
• Smoked paprika – Or regular paprika, if you don’t have smoked.
• Salt
• Broth or water – A small amount is added to the meat to help the seasonings really sink in. I usually have a box of opened chicken broth in the fridge, so I’ll use that if I have it. Water is a perfectly good substitute.
• Red bell pepper – Or any other color you prefer.
• Corn – I use canned, because it’s easier for me, but you can use whatever your preference is. Just make sure it’s already cooked/thawed. (Grilled corn would be amazing on this if you have fresh corn and the extra time!)
• Onion – I like to add sliced raw onions as a topping to mine. If you prefer your onions cooked, you could add them to the pan with the bell pepper. (Step five in the recipe instructions below.)
• Cheddar cheese – Cheddar is my favorite for this recipe, but monterey jack, colby or a Mexican blend are all good too.
• Fresh cilantro – I love cilantro so much. I use it as a frequent topping because it adds so much flavor. Plus, it’s also good for our bodies and has great nutritional benefits!

For the Spicy Cream:

• Sour cream
• Hot sauce – I like Tapatío for this recipe.

To make, just mix about a half a cup of sour cream with a tablespoon of hot sauce. Taste and adjust to your liking. I, personally, add two tablespoons to my spicy cream.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spread the tater tots evenly in one layer.

Bake the tater tots for twenty minutes, stirring them halfway through.

While the tater tots are baking, cook the ground turkey. In a large skillet, add about a tablespoon of cooking oil. Over medium heat, add the ground turkey and cook until there’s no more pink.

Once the turkey is cooked, add the seasonings to the pan – cumin, chipotle chili pepper, smoked paprika and salt. Stir to mix the seasonings with the meat.

Next, add the broth or water and mix everything well. Turn the heat to low and push the meat to the side of the pan. Add the bell pepper and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until it starts to soften. Mix it with the cooked turkey.

After the tater tots have baked for twenty minutes, sprinkle the ground turkey and bell pepper mixture, corn and cheddar cheese evenly across the top.

Bake for an additional five minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

Add some fresh toppings, like cilantro, sliced onions, avocado and spicy cream. Enjoy!

TIPS & NOTES FOR TACO TATER TOTS

Save time by prepping some of the toppings or taco meat ahead of time. I try to cut up the cilantro, onions and bell pepper in advance. Just store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to put the tots together.

What’s great about this recipe is how easily customizable it is. Feel free to add whatever toppings your family likes.

Some other topping suggestions are:

• Black olives
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Shredded lettuce
• Hot sauce
• Fresh salsa
• Black beans
• Guacamole

If you give this a try, please take a quick second to give it a rating below! Your support and ratings help keep this blog going!

<3 Meghan | Electric Mommy