Loaded Totchos

How to Make Loaded Totchos

1. 1

   Step 1: Bake the tater tots

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until they are deep golden and crisp.

   For this step

   • 32 ozFrozen tater tots (32 oz / 2 lb bag)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Cook the beef and aromatics

   While the tots bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes; drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning with 2 tablespoons of water and simmer 1–2 minutes until the mixture is well coated and slightly thickened.

   For this step

   • 1 lbGround beef (80/20)
   • 1 mediumYellow onion, finely chopped
   • 2 tbspTaco seasoning
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Warm the black beans

   Place the drained black beans in a small saucepan over low heat and warm gently for 3–4 minutes, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. For a creamier texture, mash a few beans against the side of the pan with a spoon.

   For this step

   • 15 ozCanned black beans, drained and rinsed
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Assemble and melt the cheese

   Transfer the hot baked tots to the baking sheet (or an ovenproof platter) in an even layer, then scatter the warmed beans and seasoned beef over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly and return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, or under the broiler 1–2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly—watch closely to prevent burning.

   For this step

   • 2 cupsShredded sharp cheddar cheese
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Top and serve

   Remove from the oven and immediately top with sliced pickled jalapeños, green onions, and dollops of sour cream. Serve hot with extra salsa or hot sauce on the side and encourage guests to dig in while the tots are still crisp.

   For this step

   • 1/4 cupPickled jalapeños, sliced
   • 4 stalksGreen onions, thinly sliced
   • 1/2 cupSour cream
   

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until they are deep golden and crisp.
2. While the tots bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes; drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning with 2 tablespoons of water and simmer 1–2 minutes until the mixture is well coated and slightly thickened.
3. Place the drained black beans in a small saucepan over low heat and warm gently for 3–4 minutes, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. For a creamier texture, mash a few beans against the side of the pan with a spoon.
4. Transfer the hot baked tots to the baking sheet (or an ovenproof platter) in an even layer, then scatter the warmed beans and seasoned beef over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly and return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, or under the broiler 1–2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly—watch closely to prevent burning.
5. Remove from the oven and immediately top with sliced pickled jalapeños, green onions, and dollops of sour cream. Serve hot with extra salsa or hot sauce on the side and encourage guests to dig in while the tots are still crisp.