Description
Delicious Mexican Totchos are a fun and flavorful twist on classic tater tots, loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and melted cheeses. This easy-to-make dish combines crispy baked tots with savory taco meat and fresh toppings like jalapeños, tomatoes, and cilantro, finished with creamy sour cream and guacamole. Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners, these totchos bring vibrant Tex-Mex flavors to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Tots and Meat
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade)
- 1/4 cup water
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- Salsa for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Tater Tots: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake according to the package directions until the tots are golden brown and crispy, usually around 25-30 minutes.
- Cook the Taco Meat: While the tots bake, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning and water into the cooked meat. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the seasoning is well combined and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the Totchos: Once the tater tots are done baking, transfer them to a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish in an even layer. Spread the seasoned taco meat evenly on top, then scatter the black beans and corn kernels over the meat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top.
- Melt Cheese: Return the assembled dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Remove the totchos from the oven. Garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with sour cream and add dollops of guacamole on top. Serve immediately with salsa on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the meat and doubling the beans and corn for extra protein and texture.
- For added heat and flavor, use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack and drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.
- This dish is fantastic for parties, game days, or casual family dinners—easy to share and crowd-pleasing.
- Ensure taco seasoning and tots are certified gluten-free to maintain gluten-free status if needed.
