Tachos with beef cheese

Tachos are the ultimate crowd pleaser that combine crispy tater tots with seasoned ground beef, melty nacho cheese, and all your favorite toppings. This recipe turns simple snacks into a loaded plate of comfort food that’s perfect for a game day, casual dinner, or any time you want something fun and satisfying.

I first made these for a small get together, and everyone kept coming back for more. Now they’re my go to when friends drop by unexpectedly.

Ingredients

• Frozen tater tots: they provide a crispy, golden base choose a brand you like or substitute with fries if preferred
• Ground beef: I use 93 percent lean for a good balance of flavor and less grease leaner options work well too
• Yellow onion: adds sweetness and depth when sautéed choose firm, fresh onions
• Taco seasoning packet: brings a quick bold flavor you can also make your own homemade version for control over spice levels
• Water: essential to getting the taco meat moist without drying it out
• Nacho cheese: canned or jarred cheese is convenient for melting but feel free to switch to Velveeta, queso, or your favorite cheese sauce
• Cherry tomatoes: add freshness and a slight acidity look for firm, ripe tomatoes
• Jalapeños: fresh or pickled for a spicy zing
• Cilantro: optional but brings a bright herbal note parsley works as a substitute or omit if you dislike the taste
• Sour cream: adds creaminess when served on top or on the side

Instructions

Preheat the oven and crisp the tots:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick spray. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer and bake them according to the package instructions until they turn golden and crispy. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Cook and season the beef:

While the tots bake, heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped yellow onion. Cook and crumble the beef for 7 minutes or until no pink remains. Drain any extra grease carefully so the meat isn’t too greasy. Add the taco seasoning packet along with the amount of water specified in the recipe (not the standard packet instructions as they tend to vary). Stir and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the beef absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens slightly.

Assemble the Tachos:

Once your tots are crispy and your seasoned beef is ready, pile the tots onto a serving platter. Evenly distribute the taco meat over the top. Spoon on the nacho cheese while the tots are still warm so the cheese melts slightly. Layer on sliced cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro to your liking.

Serve with sour cream:

Add a dollop of sour cream on top or serve it on the side for a cool, creamy contrast.

My favorite ingredient has got to be the jalapeños because their bite cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef so well. I remember making these for my niece’s birthday party. She loved picking out her own toppings and everyone was surprised at how filling and delicious such a simple dish could be.

Storage tips

If you have leftovers, store the taco meat and tater tots separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the tots in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy and warm the meat on the stove or microwave. Avoid assembling tater tots with toppings before storing or they will get soggy.

Ingredient substitutions

Ground beef can be swapped with ground turkey, chicken, pork, Italian sausage, or chorizo to mix up the flavors. You can also replace the nacho cheese sauce with a homemade cheese sauce or shredded cheese of your choice melted over the top. If you prefer less heat, skip the jalapeños or use mild pickled peppers.

Serving suggestions

Serve your Tachos alongside a fresh salsa or guacamole for a boost of freshness. A simple green salad or corn salad can balance the richness beautifully. For a party, set out bowls of different toppings and let guests assemble their own.

These Tachos make an easy, customizable crowd pleaser that comes together quickly. Serve them warm and let guests add their favorite toppings.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I prepare parts of this ahead?

Yes, you can cook the beef and tater tots ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Avoid assembling early to keep the tots crispy.

→ What’s the best way to cook tater tots?

Oven baking or air frying works well. Air frying may require batches depending on your fryer size.

→ Which toppings complement tachos best?

Options like black beans, salsa, green onions, pico de gallo, lettuce, or guacamole add variety and fresh flavors.

→ Can I substitute the cheese sauce?

Definitely. Homemade nacho cheese or alternatives like Velveeta or queso blanco can be melted for topping.

→ Are there alternatives to ground beef?

Yes, try Italian sausage, ground turkey, chicken, pork, or chorizo cooked and crumbled the same way.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to three days and reheat gently in the oven, air fryer, or microwave.