Loaded Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos take classic nachos to the next level by swapping tortilla chips for crispy tater tots! Piled high with smoky BBQ beef, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings, this dish is perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. Every bite is packed with bold, savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food – Crispy tater tots + BBQ + cheese = perfection.
- Great for Sharing – Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Quick and Easy – Simple ingredients, easy assembly, and fast cooking.
- Customizable – Add your favorite nacho toppings to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun and delicious twist on classic nachos!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen tater tots
- Ground beef (or pulled pork)
- BBQ sauce
- Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Red onion (diced)
- Jalapeños (sliced, optional)
- Green onions (sliced)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Directions
- Bake Tater Tots – Cook tater tots according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the BBQ Beef – Brown ground beef in a skillet, then stir in BBQ sauce. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Nachos – Spread cooked tater tots on a large baking sheet. Top with BBQ beef, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheeses.
- Bake Again – Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings – Sprinkle with red onions, jalapeños, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with sour cream.
- Serve Hot – Enjoy immediately while the cheese is gooey and melty!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Pulled Pork Version: Use shredded BBQ pork instead of ground beef.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with black beans and grilled veggies.
- Tex-Mex Style: Swap BBQ sauce for salsa and add taco seasoning.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in nacho cheese sauce for extra creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as tater tots may become soggy.
- Reheating: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or air-fry for crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the BBQ beef and toppings in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A smoky, sweet, or spicy BBQ sauce works best—use your favorite!
Can I air-fry the tater tots instead of baking?
Absolutely! Air-fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
How do I make this extra cheesy?
Add more shredded cheese or a drizzle of warm queso before serving.
Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes! Black beans or pinto beans make a great addition for extra protein.
What’s a good side dish for these nachos?
Serve with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Shredded chicken, brisket, or sausage all work well.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack adds great flavor.
How do I keep tater tots crispy?
Bake them extra crispy before adding toppings, and avoid too much sauce.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Yes! Add a side of veggies or a salad to make it a complete meal.
Conclusion
Loaded Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos are a fun and delicious twist on classic nachos, combining crispy tater tots with savory BBQ beef, melty cheese, and bold toppings. Whether for game day, a party, or just a family treat, this easy-to-make dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy every flavorful bite!
PrintLoaded Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos
These Loaded Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos (a.k.a. “Totchos”) are a crispy, cheesy, and smoky twist on classic nachos! Crispy tater tots are topped with BBQ pulled pork or beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked BBQ pulled pork or shredded beef (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup red onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread tater tots on a large baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Meat
- While the tots bake, warm the BBQ pulled pork or shredded beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in BBQ sauce and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 3: Assemble the Totchos
- Remove crispy tater tots from the oven and evenly spread BBQ meat over the top.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
- Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings & Serve
- Top with red onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, and green onions.
- Drizzle with sour cream and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Protein Options: Swap BBQ pork for chicken, brisket, or black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and extra jalapeños.
- Make it Ranchy: Drizzle with ranch dressing for a tangy twist.