Loaded Tots Recipe

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment and lightly coat with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the prepared sheet, leaving a little space between them. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Bake according to package directions for extra-crisp tots, usually 20–25 minutes, flipping once about halfway through so they crisp evenly. Remove from oven when golden and crisp.

While tots bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until it begins to brown, about 4–5 minutes.

Add the diced onion and continue to cook until the onion softens and beef is fully browned, about 3–4 minutes more. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a tablespoon in the pan.

Stir in 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.

Pour in 1/4 cup beef broth (or water), scrape any browned bits from the pan, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm off heat.

Reduce oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Transfer the hot baked tots to the same baking sheet (or a clean oven-safe dish) and gently mound them so there is some overlap but not completely packed.

Scatter the seasoned taco beef evenly over the tots.

Sprinkle the 2 cups shredded cheddar and 1 cup Monterey Jack evenly over the beef and tots.

Return to the oven and bake 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling. For a browned top, switch to broil on high for 1 minute—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Remove the loaded tots from the oven. Immediately scatter the crumbled bacon and sliced pickled jalapeños over the melted cheese.

Add the thinly sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Dollop 1/2 cup sour cream over the tots in spoonfuls or put in a small bowl for serving. Squeeze the lime over the tots for brightness and drizzle hot sauce if using.

Serve hot straight from the baking sheet, using forks or small plates. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days and reheated in a 375°F (190°C) oven until crisp and warmed through.