Yes — you read that right. Totchos.
Totchos are basically nachos made with tater tots — and they get even better topped with a tangy, homemade sloppy joe mixture.
They’re indulgent, cheesy, and perfect for game day, a party appetizer, or a casual dinner. Crisp tater tots are layered with seasoned sloppy joe meat, melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, scallions, cilantro and chives for a mix of bright, savory and comforting flavors.
I’ve made plenty of tater tot dishes before (hello, tater tot breakfast casserole), but this version might be my favorite. It’s essentially a loaded sheet-pan nacho riff that swaps tortilla chips for tots, and the result is wildly satisfying.
This recipe has been a hit every time I bring it to gatherings. People go crazy for the crispy tots topped with that tangy, slightly sweet sloppy joe meat. Totchos aren’t new, but when they landed on our table they felt brand-new and totally addictive.
Now that cooler weather and football season are here, these feel perfectly appropriate — they’re comfort food for chilly nights, tailgates, and any occasion that calls for stretchy pants.
If you want to lighten things up, swap in lean ground turkey or ground chicken for the sloppy joe meat. I often use a mix of lean ground beef and turkey breast, which keeps the flavor while reducing fat. The sloppy joe sauce — sweet, tangy, and smoky — pairs beautifully with melted cheese and fresh herbs. The contrast of textures and tastes is what makes these irresistible.
For tots, we usually choose a higher-quality frozen brand that crisps well in the oven, like Alexia or Trader Joe’s varieties. The dish comes together quickly since the tots bake while you finish the meat and prep the toppings.
Pro tip: these are excellent made with leftover sloppy joe mixture. If you have extra, store it for sandwiches or use it to top salads, nachos, or, of course, totchos.
Sloppy Joe Totchos
4
people
1 hr
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Ingredients
Sloppy Joes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey (94% lean)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 1/4 cups tomato puree or sauce
Totchos
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup freshly grated white cheddar (or havarti/Monterey jack)
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chives
- 2 radishes, sliced
- Lime wedges, for spritzing
Instructions
- Note: This is especially great with leftover sloppy joes. The recipe yields extra filling that keeps well for sandwiches.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low and add a splash of olive oil. Cook the onion, bell pepper and garlic until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Increase heat to medium and add the turkey and beef with salt and pepper, breaking it up and cooking until browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika and brown sugar. Add the tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar. Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Totchos
- Bake the tater tots according to package directions, usually around 425°F for 20 minutes, until crisp.
- When the tots are done, top them with about 1 cup of the sloppy joe mixture and sprinkle with grated cheese. Return to the oven until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Remove and finish with tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, chives and radish slices. Spritz with lime and serve immediately.
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