Loaded Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos)

Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

1 (30 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken (or vegetarian alternative)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Toppings:
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo
1/4 cup chopped green onions or scallions
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
Optional: black olives, avocado, cilantro

Equipment:
Large baking sheet
Large skillet

Instructions:

1.Preheat oven and prepare tater tots: Preheat oven according to package directions for the tater tots (usually around 400-425°F or 200-220°C). Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet.

2.Cook the meat (if using): While the tater tots are baking, cook the ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and a little water (according to package directions) and simmer for a few minutes.

3.Bake the tater tots: Bake the tater tots according to package directions, usually around 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

4.Assemble the totchos:
-Once the tater tots are cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
-If you want to melt the cheese directly on the tots, sprinkle about 3/4 of the shredded cheese over the hot tater tots and return the pan to the oven for 1-2 minutes until melted.
-Alternatively, you can skip this step and add the cheese as a cold topping.
-Evenly distribute the cooked meat (if using) over the tater tots.
-Top with the remaining cheese and all your desired toppings: sour cream, salsa, green onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, olives, avocado, cilantro, etc.