Name: Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Bag (2 lbs) Frozen Tater Tots; 1 Pound Lean 90/10 Ground Beef; 1 Medium Sweet Onion, diced; 6 Mini Sweet Peppers or 1 large bell pepper, diced; 6 Strips Center Cut Bacon, sliced; 1/4 Cup Salsa; 4 tsp Taco Seasoning; 56g (1/2 Cup) Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 28g (1/4 Cup) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese; Hot Sauce, to taste; Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt, for serving

If you’ve ever dreamed of fully loaded nachos and crispy tater tots marrying in perfect harmony, this Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe is your new go-to. Think cheesy, meaty layers piled high in one skillet—comfort food goals come alive!

This image shows a dish in a black skillet made of many layers. The bottom layer is made of soft, cooked potatoes mixed with small pieces of red and yellow bell peppers. On top of that, there is a layer of cooked ground meat with bits of cooked onion. Above the meat, there is a layer of melted cheese that looks gooey and slightly browned. Then a layer of chunky red tomato sauce is spread on top. On the very top, shredded pale green lettuce pieces are scattered, along with dollops of white sour cream and crispy dark red bacon pieces. The dish looks warm and hearty, sitting on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this casserole, it disappears fast—and not just because everyone loves tots! There’s something about the combination of bacon, seasoned beef, and melty cheese layered with crispy tater tots that hits all the right notes.

Deliciously Layered: Each bite combines crisp tots, savory beef, smoky bacon, and melty cheeses for maximum flavor.
Simple & Satisfying: Uses common ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen for an easy weeknight meal.
Perfect for Sharing: Made in a single skillet, it’s ideal for serving up a crowd-pleasing main course or hearty appetizer.
Flexible Toppings: Customize with your favorite hot sauces, sour cream, or even fresh lettuce for your perfect bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, grab a good-quality bag of frozen tater tots—they’re your crispy base—and don’t skip the center-cut bacon for that perfect smoky crunch. Fresh peppers and onions add a little sweetness that balances the savory beef perfectly.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden frozen tater tots, a mound of raw lean ground beef, a medium fresh sweet onion sliced in half revealing its white layers, six colorful mini sweet peppers arranged in a fan, six strips of uncooked center cut bacon neatly stacked, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red chunky salsa, a small white ceramic bowl holding warm orange shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy white shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of thick white sour cream, two whole uncracked brown eggs placed nearby, all perfectly arranged in symmetrical balance and natural proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen Tater Tots: The crispy foundation that brings that classic, comforting tot texture we all love.
Ground Beef: I use lean 90/10 here to keep the dish flavorful without too much grease.
Sweet Onion: Adds a mild yet rich sweetness when sautéed with the peppers.
Mini Sweet Peppers (or Bell Pepper): They bring vibrant color and gentle sweetness—feel free to go with your favorite pepper variety.
Center Cut Bacon: Sliced smaller for even crisping, it adds irresistible smoky flavor and texture.
Salsa: Gives the beef mixture a touch of tangy zest and moisture to keep everything juicy.
Taco Seasoning: Essential for seasoning the ground beef perfectly with classic Mexican-inspired spices.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for sharp, gooey cheesy goodness layered throughout.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Brings a great stretchy, melty contrast to cheddar.
Hot Sauce: Optional but highly recommended for a kick that wakes up the flavors.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Creamy dollops to cool down the spice and add a fresh finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to amp up the spice, add more veggies, or make it a bit lighter, it’s a flexible dish that welcomes your creativity.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the ground beef and bacon for plant-based crumbles or seasoned sautéed mushrooms. I tried this once with smoky chipotle seasoning and it was just as satisfying!
Extra Veggie Boost: Toss in some corn kernels, jalapeños, or black beans with your peppers and onions for more texture and flavor. It makes the casserole feel even more festive and colorful.
Make it Spicy: Adding a diced jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes to your beef mixture gives this dish a nice kick. Hot sauce on top seals the deal for heat lovers like me.
Cheese Swap: Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a little zing or a blend of cheeses to make it ooey-gooey in just the way you crave.
Air Fryer Shortcut: If you prefer crispier tots and less time heating your oven, try cooking the tater tots in an air fryer. It’s a nifty trick to get extra crunch when you’re in a hurry.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe

A white plate holds a dish made of golden brown tater tots at the bottom layer, topped with browned ground meat mixed with orange melted cheese, bits of chopped white onion, and a drizzle of thick dark red sauce on top. The textures include the crispy tots, crumbly meat, and smooth sauce. The background shows a black cast iron skillet on a white marbled countertop with some diced green vegetables visible in the skillet. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crisp Up Those Tater Tots

Start by spreading your bag of frozen tater tots evenly over a baking sheet. Place it in a preheated oven at 425°F and bake for 30 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown crispiness—the aroma filling your kitchen is your best clue. Make sure to flip or shake the tots halfway through if you want an even crunch.

Step 2: Cook Your Bacon and Sauté the Veggies

While those tots are getting crispy, slice your bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook them over medium heat in a skillet until beautifully crispy. Drain on paper towels to soak up extra grease. Transfer the skillet with just a little bacon fat left and toss in your diced sweet peppers and onion. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then sauté for about 1 minute until they start softening but still have a slight crunch—that texture adds a great balance later.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Add Flavor

Add the ground beef to the pan with the peppers and onions. Break it up with your spatula and cook until browned but still with a little pink. Next, stir in 4 teaspoons of taco seasoning and ¼ cup of salsa. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the beef finishes cooking. Then remove from heat and get ready for assembly.

Step 4: Layer Your Casserole in the Cast Iron Skillet

Spray a 10.5-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick spray—this skillet is ideal for layering and baking evenly, but you can use a baking dish if needed. Start with half of your baked tater tots on the bottom to create a crispy base. Spoon half the beef mixture evenly over the tots, then sprinkle on ¼ cup shredded cheddar and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella. If you love a little heat, add a splash of hot sauce at this stage for a delicious zing.

Step 5: Add the Second Layer and Top It Off

Gently lay the remaining tater tots on top of your first layer, fitting them together like puzzle pieces to get that satisfying crunch with every bite. Spoon the remaining beef on top of this layer, scatter your crispy bacon pieces evenly, and finish with the last ¼ cup of cheddar cheese. This layering locks in all those vibrant flavors and textures.

Step 6: Bake Again to Melt and Marry the Flavors

Pop the skillet back into your preheated 425°F oven for 10 more minutes. This step melts the cheeses, warms the bacon and beef, and lets the layers come together in perfect harmony. Keep an eye on it so the cheese gets melty without burning.

Step 7: Cool, Top, and Serve

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes—this resting time helps everything set up so it’s easier to scoop. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream or Greek yogurt, maybe some shredded lettuce or extra hot sauce, and dig in while it’s warm and comforting.

Top Tip

These tips can make all the difference in turning your Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe from good to unforgettable.

Layering is Key: Make sure to gently press the tater tots into a tight layer—this helps them hold shape during baking and creates that perfect crispy base for all the cheesy, beefy goodness.
Don’t Overcook the Beef: I found that cooking the ground beef until just slightly pink before simmering with taco seasoning and salsa keeps it juicy and flavorful without drying out.
Use the Bacon Grease: Instead of tossing out all that bacon flavor, use a little bit of the bacon grease to sauté your peppers and onions. It adds an unbeatable smoky depth to the veggies.
Let It Rest: After baking the assembled casserole, give it a 5–10 minute cool down. This step helps everything settle and makes scooping out those loaded, melty bites easier.

How to Serve Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe

A black frying pan sits on a stove with a wooden spatula resting inside its edge. The pan contains three layers: the bottom layer is made of small diced vegetables including white onions and orange-yellow bell peppers, which are evenly spread across the pan and slightly cooked. In the center, on top of the vegetables, there is a mound of raw ground meat with a pinkish-red color and a soft texture. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe, top your servings with a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for heat. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce adds a kick, and a little chopped green onion or cilantro lends a fresh, vibrant touch.

Side Dishes

This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a simple side salad—think crisp romaine with lime vinaigrette—or a light vegetable like roasted corn or grilled zucchini can balance things nicely. If you want to keep things indulgent, some guacamole and extra chips on the side are always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it well-covered prevents the casserole from drying out and maintains freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before the final bake. Assemble the layers in your cast iron skillet or a similar oven-safe dish, then tightly cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen at 425°F, adding extra bake time until heated through and cheese melts.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Microwaving is quicker but can lead to soggier tots—oven reheating keeps that crispy texture alive.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While fresh potatoes can be used, the tater tots provide that iconic crispy texture and convenience. If using fresh potatoes, parboil and cube them, then roast until crispy before layering.

What type of cast iron skillet is best for this recipe?

A deep 10.5-inch cast iron skillet works perfectly for layering and even cooking in the oven. If you don’t have one, a similar-sized baking dish or cake pan will also work.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef and bacon with seasoned sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth or water instead of bacon grease for sautéing.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep all components in advance, assemble the casserole, and refrigerate or freeze it before baking. Just adjust bake times accordingly if going from frozen.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, cheesy blanket of comfort food. It’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself without the fuss. I hope these tips and ideas help you enjoy every delicious bite—because this casserole truly deserves a starring role in your comfort food rotation.