Loaded Tater Tot Taco Cups Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 16 ounces frozen bite-sized potato nuggets, such as Ore-Ida Golden Tater Tots (about 60 tots)
• 8 ounces lean ground beef
• 1/2 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup salsa, or as needed
• 1/4 cup sour cream, or as needed

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450F (230C). Lightly coat 12 cups of a standard muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Place 5 tater tots in each of the 12 muffin slots.

Step 3: Bake the tater tots in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Remove the muffin pan from the oven. Use a tamper or the bottom of a small glass to press the tater tots down into the bottom and sides of each cup, forming a "tater tot cup." Place the pan back into the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: While the tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the ground beef with taco seasoning in the skillet until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease.

Step 6: Divide the cooked ground beef evenly between the tater tot cups.

Step 7: Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the ground beef in each cup. Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for 3 minutes on a rack.

Step 9: Top each tater tot cup with shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream to your liking. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 301
• Total Fat: 16g (21% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (29% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 49mg (16% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 695mg (30% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g (9% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 15g (30% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (4% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 98mg (8% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (10% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 463mg (10% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. The amount is based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

History and Origin

The Loaded Tater Tot Taco Cups combine two American favoritestater tots and tacosinto a delicious, bite-sized appetizer. Tater tots, small cylindrical potato snacks, were invented in the 1950s by the American company Ore-Ida, which revolutionized frozen food with their creation. Over the years, tater tots became a beloved comfort food in American households. The taco, on the other hand, has Mexican roots, and its modern form was popularized in the United States in the 20th century. This fusion of tater tots and tacos represents the American innovation of taking traditional foods and transforming them into convenient, fun variations for all occasions.

Regional Variations

Loaded Tater Tot Taco Cups are a versatile dish with endless possibilities. While the recipe is commonly associated with American comfort food, it can be adapted to reflect regional tastes. In southwestern U.S. states like Texas and Arizona, variations of taco fillings such as seasoned ground beef or grilled chicken are often used. Additionally, some people may swap sour cream for guacamole or add jalapeos for extra spice. The concept of stuffed tater tots can also be found in different regional takes, from the inclusion of barbeque pulled pork in the Midwest to the addition of seafood in coastal areas.

What Sets It Apart?

While tacos and tater tots are individually popular, the Loaded Tater Tot Taco Cups set themselves apart by creating a unique hybrid of these two beloved foods. Unlike traditional tacos, which are typically served in soft or hard tortillas, these cups use crispy tater tots as a base, offering a crunchy, golden contrast to the savory taco fillings. The use of the muffin pan molds the tots into neat cups, allowing for a fun, easy-to-eat presentation that makes these bites perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Where Is It Typically Served?

Loaded Tater Tot Taco Cups are ideal for a variety of occasions. They are often served as appetizers or snacks at parties, family gatherings, or game-day events. The individual portions make them easy to serve and eat, and their bite-sized nature means they are perfect for sharing. They also work well as a main dish when paired with side items like rice, beans, or a simple salad. These cups are also a popular choice for taco-themed nights, providing a fun and creative twist on the usual taco experience.

Fun Facts

• The name "Tater Tot" comes from the combination of "tater," slang for potato, and "tot," a term for small pieces or portions of food.
• In 2002, Ore-Ida, the brand credited with creating tater tots, sold more than 100 million pounds of tots in the United States alone.
• In some versions of this dish, tater tots are made from sweet potatoes, offering a healthier alternative with a slightly different flavor.
• Loaded Tater Tot Taco Cups are a fun way to introduce kids to taco night, as the crispy tots and cheesy toppings are often a hit with younger eaters.

FAQ about Loaded Tater Tot Taco Cups Recipe