YT Recipe

SERIOUSLY EPIC TRASH CAN TATER TOT NACHOS (AKA TOTCHOS!)

SERIOUSLY EPIC TRASH CAN TATER TOT NACHOS (AKA TOTCHOS!) is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 820 calories per serving. Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 29 min | Total: 2 hrs 14 min

Cost: $34.95 total, $8.74 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 bag Frozen Tater Tots (about 30 oz, bake as directed on package)
  • 3/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt (pinch)
  • 1 medium Red Onion (thinly sliced for quick pickles)
  • 2 pieces Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, about 8 oz total)
  • 0.5 lb Skirt Steak (trimmed)
  • 1 tablespoon Chipotle Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Hot Sauce (BFF or similar) (divided between rub, white sauce, and cheese sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for coating proteins)
  • 1 large Ripe Avocado (peeled, pitted, and mashed)
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 small Tomato (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Chipotle Peppers in Adobo (juice) (from a canned pepper, optional for extra heat)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 2 cups Milk (divided between white sauce and cheese sauce)
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic Paste
  • 2 lb Velveeta Cheese (cut into chunks; melts smoothly)
  • 15 oz Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (drained)
  • 1 cup Black Beans (cooked, drained and rinsed)
  • 2 tablespoons Diced Green Chilies (from the same can of diced tomatoes with green chilies)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the other components.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 425°F

  2. Bake Tater Tots

    Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, turning once halfway through.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 425°F

  3. Broil for Extra Crunch

    Switch the oven to broil on high and broil the tots for 2 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Broil

  4. Quick Pickle Red Onion

    In a small pot combine 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil, stir until dissolved, then pour over the thinly sliced red onion placed in a glass jar. Seal and let sit for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Prepare Spice Rub

    In a small bowl mix 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp hot sauce (BFF).

    Time: PT5M

  6. Season and Oil Proteins

    Pat the chicken thighs and skirt steak dry. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice rub.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Cook Chicken and Steak

    Heat the flat‑top griddle or large skillet over high heat. Cook the chicken thighs 5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cook the skirt steak 6 minutes per side for medium‑rare, or longer if preferred. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: High

  8. Make Guacamole

    In a mixing bowl mash the avocado, then stir in 1 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp of the quick‑pickled red onion, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp chipotle adobo juice, and 1 tsp hot sauce. Keep chunky.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Prepare White Sauce

    Whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic paste, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth and warmed through.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  10. Make Cheese Sauce

    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups milk and the 2 lb Velveeta cheese chunks, adding gradually and stirring until melted. Stir in the drained 15 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp garlic paste. Adjust thickness with extra milk if needed.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium

  11. Cut Proteins

    Slice the rested chicken thighs and skirt steak into bite‑size pieces (about 1‑inch cubes).

    Time: PT5M

  12. Assemble Totchos

    In a 10‑inch disposable can, layer as follows: bottom – a ladle of cheese sauce; first layer – crispy tater tots; drizzle cheese sauce to act as glue; add a layer of chicken pieces; sprinkle 1 cup black beans; add another layer of tots; more cheese sauce; layer steak pieces; repeat with tots and cheese sauce until the can is full. Top with generous dollops of guacamole, a spoonful of pickled red onion, a drizzle of white sauce, and the reserved diced green chilies.

    Time: PT10M

  13. Serve

    Take a photo, then dig in with a fork. Enjoy while hot and crispy.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
820
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
55 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: High‑protein, High‑calorie, Not vegetarian, Contains meat

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten (if using seasoned tots with wheat), Soy (some processed cheeses contain soy)

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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SERIOUSLY EPIC TRASH CAN TATER TOT NACHOS (AKA TOTCHOS!)

Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY

Crispy tater tots layered with cheesy sauce, smoky chicken and skirt steak, black beans, pickled red onions, guacamole and a tangy white sauce. A hearty, indulgent twist on classic nachos that’s perfect for game day or a comfort‑food feast.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
57m
Prep
47m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 56m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$34.95
Total cost
$8.74
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Achieving fully crispy tater tots (bake + broil).
  • • Quick pickling the red onion for bright color and tang.
  • • Properly searing the chicken and skirt steak without overcooking.
  • • Creating a smooth, melt‑ready cheese sauce without graininess.
  • • Layering the tot nachos so they hold together (cheese sauce as glue).

Safety Warnings

  • • Use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheet and broiler.
  • • Be careful when slicing hot chicken and steak; use a stable cutting board.
  • • Hot liquids in the cheese and white sauces can cause burns; stir gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) in American Midwest cuisine?

A

Totchos are a modern Midwest comfort‑food mash‑up that combines the beloved tater tot with the party‑style nacho. They originated as a playful take on casserole‑style “hot dishes” often brought to sick‑day visits, turning a simple side into a shareable, indulgent snack.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) in American cuisine?

A

In the Midwest, some cooks add ground beef and shredded cheddar, while in the Southwest you’ll find jalapeños, black beans, and a spicier chipotle sauce. The version from YouTube channel Sam The Cooking Guy adds both chicken thighs and skirt steak for extra protein.

cultural
Q

How is Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) traditionally served in the Midwest?

A

They are usually assembled in a large disposable can or deep dish, served hot straight from the oven, and eaten with forks. The dish is often a centerpiece at game‑day gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinner parties.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Totchos are popular at sports‑watch parties, backyard barbecues, and casual family get‑togethers. Their shareable nature makes them ideal for celebrations where finger foods are preferred.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Core ingredients include frozen tater tots, a melty cheese sauce (often Velveeta or American cheese), and a protein such as chicken or steak. Substitutes can be hash brown bites for tots, cheddar or mozzarella for cheese, and pork or turkey for the meat.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos)?

A

Serve Totchos alongside classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or a simple green salad. A cold beer or a sparkling lemonade balances the richness of the dish.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) at home?

A

Common pitfalls include under‑baking the tots (resulting in soggy layers), over‑cooking the chicken or steak, and making the cheese sauce too thick. Follow the broiling step for crisp tots and keep the sauce pourable.

technical
Q

Why does this Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) recipe use a quick‑pickled red onion instead of raw onion?

A

Quick‑pickling softens the onion, adds a bright pink color, and introduces a tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat, creating a balanced flavor profile.

technical
Q

Can I make Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can prepare the pickled onions, cheese sauce, white sauce, and cooked proteins up to a day ahead. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving to keep the tots crisp.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the cheese sauce for Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) is ready?

A

The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and pourable, with melted cheese fully incorporated. It should coat the back of a spoon without clumping; if it looks grainy, keep stirring and add a splash of milk.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sam The Cooking Guy specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sam The Cooking Guy focuses on approachable, high‑energy cooking tutorials that blend comfort food, bold flavors, and practical kitchen hacks for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Sam The Cooking Guy's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Sam The Cooking Guy emphasizes fast, no‑fluff recipes with a comedic style, often using unconventional ingredient combos (like chicken and steak together) and encouraging viewers to experiment rather than follow strict traditional rules.

channel
More like this:American RecipesSnack RecipesMore by SAM THE COOKING GUY

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