Description
These Loaded Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos combine crispy oven-baked tater tots with savory seasoned ground beef, smoky barbecue sauce, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and topped with bacon, fresh vegetables, and sour cream for a hearty and flavorful appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Fresh Toppings
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream for topping
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Tater Tots: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the frozen tater tots on a large sheet pan and bake according to package directions, about 25 to 30 minutes, until they are golden and crispy.
- Cook and Season Ground Beef: While the tots bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease, then season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in 1/2 cup barbecue sauce and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Assemble Nachos: Once the tater tots are crispy, transfer them to an oven-safe serving platter or keep them on the sheet pan. Spread the cooked, sauced ground beef evenly over the tots. Drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup barbecue sauce.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the beef and tots. Return the platter or sheet pan to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and top with crumbled cooked bacon, diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, green onions, and dollops of sour cream. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your loaded cowboy BBQ tater tot nachos.
Notes
- For an extra kick, drizzle with spicy barbecue sauce or your favorite hot sauce.
- Swap the ground beef with pulled pork or shredded chicken for a different protein option.
- Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and assemble the nachos just before baking for easy meal prep.
