Spicy Beef Totchos Recipe

Dive into the perfect fusion of comfort food and appetizing spice with our Spicy Beef Totchos recipe. Crunchy tater tots, seasoned beef, and melted cheese come together in a delightfully fiery dish that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. A generous dollop of sour cream and guacamole adds a refreshing contrast to the heat, making this dish an explosion of flavors.

Photos of Spicy Beef Totchos Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are likely already in your kitchen. However, Frank’s Red Hot Original might not be on your usual shopping list. It's a specific brand of hot sauce known for its perfect blend of flavor and heat. You can find it in the condiments aisle at your local supermarket. If you can't get your hands on this particular brand, feel free to substitute with your favorite hot sauce.

Ingredients for Spicy Beef Totchos

Tater tots: These miniature cylindrical potato bites add a fantastic crunch and are the 'tot' in 'totchos'.

Ground beef: The main protein of our dish, adds savory depth.

Frank’s Red Hot Original: A key component of the spice element in our dish.

Cumin: Enhances the flavor of the ground beef with its earthy, warm aroma.

Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the beef.

Paprika: Offers a sweet-peppery flavor to the mix.

Chili powder: Adds the spicy kick we're looking for.

Salt: A basic seasoning that enhances all other flavors.

Mexican cheese blend: Adds creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Red onion: Offers a sharp flavor that contrasts the savory beef.

Scallion: Adds a touch of color and a hint of onion-garlic flavor.

Tomato: Provides a refreshing, juicy element to the totchos.

Sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that balances the spice.

Guacamole: Adds a rich, creamy, and refreshing flavor to the dish.

One reader, Kaela Michalski says:

This spicy beef totchos recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crispy tater tots, flavorful beef, and melted cheese is absolutely delicious. The kick of spice adds the perfect zing, and the toppings take it to the next level. It's a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors!

Kaela Michalski

Key Techniques for Preparing Spicy Beef Totchos Recipe

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Bake tater tots: Spread the tater tots out on a sheet tray and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Cook ground beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with Frank’s Red Hot Original, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Gradually break up the beef with a spatula and sauté for about 5 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from heat.

Layer tater tots, beef, and cheese: Place an even layer of tater tots in an 8-inch oven-safe skillet. Top with half of the cooked beef and sprinkle a layer of cheese. Repeat layering of tater tots, beef, and cheese.

Bake totchos: Lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and top with red onion, scallions, and tomatoes. Add a dollop of sour cream and guacamole to the center of the skillet. Serve immediately.

How To Make Spicy Beef Totchos Recipe

Totchos are what you get when you combine nachos and tater tots in one dish. This beef totchos recipe has ground beef, spices, and loads of Mexican cheese.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 40 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

2lbfrozen tater tots
1lbGround Beef
1½tbspFrank’s Red Hot Original
1tspground cumin
1tspgarlic
1tsppaprika
1tspchili powder
2tspsalt
4cupsmexican cheese blend,shredded
red onion,diced
fresh scallion,sliced
tomato,diced
sour cream
Guacamole

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Spread tater tots out on a sheet tray. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, Frank’s Red Hot Original, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Gradually break up beef with a spatula and sauté for about 5 minutes until beef is fully cooked. Remove from heat.
Place an even layer of tater tots in an 8-inch oven-safe skillet. Top with half of the beef. Sprinkle a layer of cheese. Repeat layering of tater tots, beef, and cheese.
Lower oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Place skillet in oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Remove from oven and top with red onion, scallions, and tomatoes. Add a dollop of sour cream and guacamole to the center of the skillet. Serve immediately.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 419.75kcal
Fat: 33.83g
Saturated Fat: 17.10g
Trans Fat: 1.45g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.64g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.31g
Carbohydrates: 2.46g
Fiber: 0.31g
Sugar: 0.27g
Protein: 25.85g
Cholesterol: 107.58mg
Sodium: 487.55mg
Calcium: 465.52mg
Potassium: 224.25mg
Iron: 2.01mg
Vitamin A: 188.10µg
Vitamin C: 0.13mg

One Simple Technique to Elevate Your Spicy Beef Totchos

To ensure your tater tots remain crispy in your totchos, try baking them until they are slightly overdone before adding the toppings. This will help them hold up under the weight of the beef and cheese, preventing them from becoming soggy. Additionally, layering the ingredients, rather than mixing them all together, also helps maintain the texture of the tots.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the ground beef mixture and chop the toppings in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded Mexican cheese blend instead of grating it yourself.

Bake extra tater tots: Consider baking extra tater tots and storing them in an airtight container for future use in other recipes.

One-pan cooking: Opt for a larger skillet to cook the beef and assemble the totchos in the same pan, reducing the number of dishes to clean.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze the extra totchos for a quick and convenient meal later on.

Efficient assembly: Set up an assembly line with all the ingredients prepped and ready to go for quick and easy layering.

Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Beef Totchos Recipe

frozen tater tots - Substitute with frozen sweet potato tots: Sweet potato tots can add a slightly sweeter flavor and a different texture to the dish, while still providing the crispy base for the totchos.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef and can provide a lighter flavor while still offering the protein element to the dish.
frank’s red hot original - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can be used as a substitute for Frank's Red Hot to add a different level of heat and flavor to the totchos.
mexican cheese blend - Substitute with cheddar and monterey jack cheese mix: This mix can provide a similar flavor profile to the Mexican cheese blend and melt well over the totchos.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onion can be a milder alternative to red onion, adding a slightly different flavor to the totchos.
fresh scallion - Substitute with chives: Chives can offer a similar mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy and creamy element similar to sour cream, while also adding a boost of protein.
guacamole - Substitute with avocado slices: Avocado slices can provide a similar creamy and rich texture to the dish, adding a fresh and healthy element.

How to Plate and Present Spicy Beef Totchos

Elevate the totchos: Arrange the totchos in a circular pattern on a large, elegant platter, ensuring each layer is visible and the colors are vibrant.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle finely diced red onions and scallions on top of the totchos, ensuring an even distribution for a pop of color and flavor.
Artful placement of toppings: Strategically place vibrant, ripe tomato wedges around the outer edge of the platter to add freshness and visual appeal.
Dollop of perfection: Carefully place a generous dollop of creamy guacamole in the center of the totchos, using a piping bag for a professional touch.
Swirls of sour cream: Create elegant swirls of sour cream around the guacamole, adding a touch of richness and a visually appealing element.
Elevate with fresh herbs: Garnish the platter with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness.
Serve with flair: Present the totchos with confidence and flair, ensuring that each element is showcased beautifully and invitingly.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Totchos

Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes at high temperatures.
Skillet: A versatile pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing various ingredients.
Sheet tray: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
Oven-safe skillet: A skillet that is safe to use in the oven, allowing for easy transition from stovetop to oven.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for Spicy Beef Totchos Recipe

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for spicy beef totchos:

If you have any leftovers, allow the spicy beef totchos to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, place the totchos in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the tater tots may lose some of their crispiness.
For longer storage, you can freeze the spicy beef totchos for up to 2-3 months. To do this:
1. Allow the totchos to cool completely.
2. Wrap the skillet tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or transfer the totchos to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Label the container with the date and contents.
4. When ready to eat, remove the totchos from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
5. Reheat the thawed totchos in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted again.
Keep in mind that the texture of the tater tots and toppings may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.

The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Totchos

The best way to reheat leftover spicy beef totchos is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the totchos evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the sheet with aluminum foil to prevent the tots from drying out and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the tater tots.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat your totchos in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat your totchos in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover totchos in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the totchos are heated through and crispy.
If you have any leftover toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh scallions, store them separately in the refrigerator. When reheating your totchos, add these toppings only after the dish has been heated to prevent them from becoming watery or wilted.
To maintain the best quality, store leftover totchos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to reheat, follow one of the methods mentioned above for the best results.

A Surprising Fact About Spicy Beef Totchos Recipe

The tater tots used in this recipe were invented in 1953 by the Ore-Ida company when they were looking for a way to use leftover slivers of cut-up potatoes. They came up with the idea of chopping up the slivers, adding flour and seasoning, and then pushing the mash through holes and slicing off pieces of the extruded mixture. This resulted in the creation of the tater tots, which quickly became a popular side dish and ingredient in various recipes.

Budget-Friendly or Splurge: The Cost of Making Totchos at Home

This spicy beef totchos recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible, making it a budget-friendly option. The versatility of the dish allows for customization based on available ingredients, reducing potential waste. The use of ground beef, cheese, and tater tots provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $20. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, flavor, and ease of preparation.

Is This Dish Healthy or Not So Much?

The spicy beef totchos recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients, such as tater tots, ground beef, and cheese, are high in calories, fat, and sodium. The recipe also lacks significant amounts of vegetables or fiber, which are essential for a balanced diet.

However, there are some redeeming qualities to this recipe. The use of spices like cumin, garlic, paprika, and chili powder can provide some health benefits, as they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The toppings of red onion, scallions, and tomatoes also add some nutrients and freshness to the dish.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use a leaner ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lower fat content
Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for a lower-fat cheese variety
Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots, to increase fiber and nutrient content
Serve the totchos with a side salad to balance out the meal and add more greens
Use a healthier cooking method for the tater tots, such as baking them with a light coating of olive oil instead of deep-frying
Reduce the portion size and consider sharing the dish with others to control calorie intake

By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the flavors of the spicy beef totchos while making the dish more nutritionally balanced and health-conscious.

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on Spicy Beef Totchos

This spicy beef totchos recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of crispy tater tots, savory seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese creates a satisfying dish. The addition of Frank's Red Hot Original adds a kick of heat, balanced by the coolness of sour cream and guacamole. The toppings of red onion, scallions, and tomatoes provide freshness and a burst of color. Overall, this recipe offers a playful twist on traditional nachos, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.

Enhance Your Spicy Beef Totchos Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Creamy and hearty soup with bacon, chives, and cheddar cheese

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Juicy pineapple slices caramelized on the grill with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: Spicy jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon and baked to perfection

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Spicy Beef Totchos

Spicy Beef Tacos: These tacos are filled with spicy beef, fresh vegetables, and a zesty sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole: This casserole is loaded with cheesy potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy sauce for a comforting and indulgent dish.

Mango Salsa Chicken: This dish features juicy chicken topped with a vibrant mango salsa for a sweet and savory flavor combination.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This soup is made with ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy coconut milk for a comforting and flavorful bowl of goodness.

Berry Cobbler: This dessert is filled with sweet and juicy berries, topped with a buttery and crumbly crust for a delightful treat.

Ideal Appetizer and Dessert Combinations for Spicy Beef Totchos Recipe

Appetizers:

Spicy Buffalo Wings: Tantalize your taste buds with these fiery and flavorful chicken wings, coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and served with a side of cool ranch dressing for the perfect balance of heat and creaminess.

Loaded Potato Skins: Indulge in these crispy potato skins loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a dollop of tangy sour cream, creating a mouthwatering combination of savory and creamy flavors in every bite.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate dessert that oozes with a molten center. The warm, gooey chocolate paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a classic dessert that never fails to impress.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a creamy, smooth cheesecake topped with a vibrant layer of fresh strawberries. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet, juicy strawberries creates a luscious and satisfying dessert. Each bite is a burst of fruity and creamy goodness.

Why trust this Spicy Beef Totchos Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience, using high-quality ground beef and a perfect blend of spices to elevate the flavor. The addition of Frank's Red Hot Original adds a kick, while the layers of crispy tater tots and gooey Mexican cheese blend create a satisfying texture. Topped with fresh red onion, scallions, and tomatoes, and served with creamy sour cream and guacamole, this dish promises a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Share your thoughts on the Spicy Beef Totchos Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance this delicious dish!

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and instead use black beans, refried beans, or a meat substitute to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less of the hot sauce and chili powder according to your preference.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

While the tater tots may not stay as crispy if prepared in advance, you can definitely cook the beef mixture ahead of time and assemble the totchos just before serving.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the hot sauce and spices you use are gluten-free, and check that the tater tots and other ingredients are also gluten-free.