This loaded tater tot casserole has a nacho vibe, but using tater tots instead of tortilla chips. It’s inspired by the original version of the Tot Supreme at Bent Taco in Collingwood. Such a yummy thing to make for lunch, dinner or as an appetizer.
If you’re looking for other summer recipe ideas, check out my Beet & Lentil Burgers or my Feta & Dill Stuffed Pitas.
Why you’ll love this loaded tater tot casserole
- Balanced: yes, there are tater tots in this dish, so you may not consider it a ‘healthy’ meal, but it’s quick and easy, and other components add balance through nutrition by addition. There is protein from the black beans and cheese. Vegetables from the lettuce and tomatoes. Healthy fats from the guacamole/avocado.
- Gluten free: a fun and flavourful dish to make for a gluten free friend
What you need to make this loaded tater tot casserole
Like nachos, this recipe has a lot of different additions and garnishes. If there are things you don’t have or don’t like, I provide some addition or substitution ideas below.
- tater tots
- cheese
- black beans
- lettuce
- tomatoes
- guacamole or avocado
- pickled onions
- cilantro (or microgreens if you don’t like cilantro)
Substitutions & Additions
Substitutions
- Make it vegan: use dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo
- Different lettuce: I like romaine lettuce for the crunch and water content, but you can use kale, mixed greens, cabbage or some other lettuce. I would suggest something with crunch to balance out the rest of the ingredients
Additions
- Anything you like: if there are things that you might typically add to nachos that I didn’t add here, go ahead and add. Things like olives, red onion or pickles would be good.
Loaded Tater Tot Casserole FAQs
My go-to toppings are romaine lettuce, black beans, cheddar cheese, avocado or guacamole, salsa, pickles, pickled onions, and tomatoes. But feel free to experiment with other toppings you may enjoy!
Cheddar cheese is the most popular, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend also work great for a gooey, flavourful topping.
My version is similar to nachos, but with tater tots instead. Similar toppings and flavours!
You can get all your ingredients prepped and you can make your sauce, but it’s best to bake your tater tots and assemble the loaded tater tots right before serving and eating.
This recipe uses black beans, but TVP (textured vegetable protein) would also work really well to keep it vegetarian.
Loaded Tater Tots
Ingredients
Sauce
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 ½ tsp ketchup
- 2 tsp pickle juice garlic pickle juice, not sweet pickle juice
- 2 tsp hot sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Tots
- 1 (800g) bag tater tots
- 1 (540ml) can black beans
- 1 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped finely
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 beefsteak tomato, diced
- guacamole or avocado
- pickled onions
- cilantro
Instructions
- Cook your tater tots according to the directions on the package. Make the whole bag, it will serve 6 people as an appetizer, or fewer people for a meal.
- While your tots are cooking make your sauce, and prep your other ingredients.
- SAUCE: add all the ingredients into a small bowl. Combine well. Taste and adjust to your taste preference.
- BEANS: add the entire can of beans (no need to drain and rinse) to a large pan over medium heat. Add taco seasoning, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, and then reduce the heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, letting the beans thicken. Stir occasionally so they don't stick. Once they've thickened up and most of the liquid is reduced, you can turn off the heat, but leave the pan on the burner.
- Once your tots are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes.
- Here's how I like to assemble the tots, but you can switch up the order if you want: lettuce first, then tots, then cheese, beans, tomatoes, a few plops of guacamole (or avocado), pickled onions, and then drizzle the sauce on top of everything. Garnish with cilantro (or microgreens).
- Leftovers aren't great, so I enjoy you to eat everything when it's fresh (although leftovers are unlikely).
Nutrition
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If we haven’t met yet, hi hello! I’m Bailey, a Registered Dietitian and recipe developer. I offer 1:1 nutrition coaching and cooking classes to help make healthy eating easier. On my blog you can find easy, seasonal, vegetarian recipes! If you try this recipe (or any of my other recipes), leave me a comment with your thoughts!
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Such a versatile appetizer for gatherings. Fun, tasty, and easy!
Thanks Tori! It really is a great appetizer for a group!