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!
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.

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Print
Loaded Tater Tot Nachos with Bacon and Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Loaded Tater Tot Nacho Casserole is a deliciously indulgent layered dish featuring crispy baked tater tots, seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or hearty main course, this casserole brings all the classic nacho components together in an easy cast-iron skillet bake that's sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Main 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
- ¼ Cup Salsa
- 4 teaspoon Taco Seasoning
- 56g (½ Cup) Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 28g (¼ Cup) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Toppings
- Hot Sauce, to taste
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Cook Bacon: While tots bake, slice bacon into smaller pieces and cook over medium heat in a pan until crispy. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Wipe out excess grease from pan leaving a small amount for cooking vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced peppers and onions to the pan with remaining bacon grease. Lightly season with salt and pepper and cook for about 1 minute until slightly softened.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to sautéed vegetables. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until browned with a slight pink remaining.
- Season Beef Mixture: Stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until beef is fully cooked through and flavors meld. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Casserole Layers: Spray a 10.5-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick spray. Layer half of the baked tater tots on the bottom. Spread half the beef mixture evenly over the tots, then sprinkle with ¼ cup shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with some hot sauce if desired.
- Add Second Layer: Carefully arrange the remaining tater tots on top to form a solid layer. Spread the remaining beef mixture over the tots, top with cooked bacon pieces, then sprinkle the last ¼ cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake to Melt Cheeses: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow cheeses to fully melt and flavors to combine.
- Cool and Serve: Remove casserole from oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes. Add toppings such as sour cream or Greek yogurt, lettuce, or extra hot sauce. Scoop out portions and enjoy while warm.
Notes
- Use a deep cast iron skillet for easy layering and even cooking. Alternative bakeware such as a baking sheet, cake pan, or small baking dish can also be used.
- This recipe is flexible—add your favorite nacho toppings or ingredients to customize your casserole.
- Since all components are pre-cooked, you can assemble portions in bowls and serve immediately without extra baking if desired.
- For a crispy alternative, try cooking the loaded tater tots in an air fryer as suggested by With the Woodruffs.
- This dish is indulgent and best enjoyed as a treat or party food rather than a health-focused meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg



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