Loaded Tater Tot Bowls are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend treat. This dish features crispy tater tots topped with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and a variety of flavorful toppings. It’s a hearty, customizable meal that everyone in the family will love. Whether you’re having a movie night or just want something comforting, this loaded tater tot bowl hits the spot!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Diced avocado (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Tater Tots
- Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the tater tots. Arrange the tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until crispy and golden brown (typically 25-30 minutes).
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- While the tater tots are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water, and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until the beef is well seasoned and the sauce has thickened.
Step 3: Assemble the Loaded Tater Tot Bowls
- Once the tater tots are done, transfer them to individual serving bowls or keep them on the baking sheet for a family-style meal.
- Top the tater tots with the seasoned ground beef, followed by shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add a dollop of sour cream and spoonfuls of salsa on top.
- Sprinkle with sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
- Optional: Add diced avocado on top for extra creaminess.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the loaded tater tot bowls immediately while the tater tots are still crispy, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Cooking Notes
- Ground Beef: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Tater Tots: Make sure the tater tots are golden and crispy before topping them to ensure they stay crunchy under the toppings.
- Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend. Pepper jack adds a nice kick if you prefer something spicier.
Variations
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bowl
- Replace the ground beef with shredded buffalo chicken and top with blue cheese crumbles and sliced celery for a buffalo wing-inspired dish.
Vegetarian Loaded Tater Tot Bowl
- Skip the meat and use black beans or pinto beans instead. Add some roasted veggies for extra flavor and texture.
Breakfast Tater Tot Bowl
- Top the tater tots with scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a fun breakfast-for-dinner option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
It’s best to prepare the individual components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep the tater tots crispy. You can cook the ground beef in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well in this recipe. You can also use pulled pork for a different twist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to help the tater tots regain some of their crispiness.
What Are Some Other Toppings I Can Use?
You can add a variety of toppings such as jalapeños, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing to customize your tater tot bowl.
Loaded Tater Tot Bowls are a fun, comforting dish that’s perfect for any time you want something easy, delicious, and customizable. The crispy tater tots topped with seasoned beef, cheese, and all your favorite toppings make for an irresistible combination. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Enjoy creating your own variations and toppings, and share this comforting favorite with family and friends!
