If you’ve ever had trouble choosing between nachos and tater tots, good news—you don’t have to pick! Totchos (a mashup of “tater tots” and “nachos”) are the best of both worlds: crispy golden tots piled high with all your favorite nacho toppings. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the best part is that it’s fully customizable. There are many ways to make Totchos, but here is my taco meat version.

Loaded Totchos

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serving Size: 1/4 of the tray
Total Servings: 4

Ingredients:

32 oz frozen bag tater tots
2 cup vegan Cheddar shreds
1 cup corn, cooked (frozen or canned)
1/2 head romaine lettuce, shredded
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup yellow onion, diced

For the taco meat:
1 cup TVP
1/2 cup onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup water
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 vegan beef or veggie bouillon
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Other toppings:
– Gucamole
– Sour Cream
– Jalepenos
– Etc

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven according to the directions on the tater tot bag. Prepare a small or medium sized sheet pan for them while the oven heats.
2. Cut the vegetables for the toppings and taco meat. Keep separated.
3. Prepare the wet and dry ingredients for the taco meat to make it easier to cook.
4. When the oven is finished preheating, cook the tater tots and set a timer for how long they should cook.
5. Cook the corn according to package directions.
6. In a medium or large pan over medium heat, add the oil and when it is shimmering, add the onion and cook 3-4 minutes until translucent.
7. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
8. Add the spices and cook for another minute.
9. Add the TVP and water. Cook for 5-10 minutes on low to medium heat until the water is absorbed.
10. Check on the tater tots. If finished, remove from the oven. They should be crispy.
11. Once the tater tots are finished, set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to melt the cheese.
12. When the taco meat is finished, add it on top of the tater tots with the corn and cheese. Cook it in the oven 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
13. Add the lettuce, tomatoes, and onion. Add any other toppings.