Irresistible Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that combines crispy, golden tater tots and melty, rich cheese wrapped snugly in a warm tortilla, then this Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with bold, savory flavors and a satisfying texture, these burritos bring comfort food to a whole new level. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or sharing a crowd-pleaser snack, these burritos deliver a perfect balance of gooey cheese, crunchy tots, and zesty seasonings that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate comfort food: Combines crispy tater tots and melted cheese for a cozy, satisfying meal every time.
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep and straightforward steps make it perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Customizable: Easily adapted with your preferred fillings and toppings to suit any taste or dietary need.
- Great for sharing: These Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos are perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners.
- Kid-friendly: The gooey cheese and crispy tots make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential for creating that perfect harmony of flavor and texture in your Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos. Each one adds its own flair, whether it’s the crispy tots, creamy cheese, or tangy seasonings.
- Tater tots: Use frozen tots for convenience and perfect crispness when baked or fried.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work beautifully for gooey, melty goodness.
- Flour tortillas: Choose large, soft tortillas to easily wrap and hold all the fillings.
- Cooked protein: Ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans add heartiness and protein.
- Onions and peppers: Sautéed for extra flavor and a slight crunch.
- Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder bring that bold, savory punch.
- Sour cream or crema: For a cool, creamy contrast inside the burrito or as a topping.
- Salsa or hot sauce: Adds a zesty kick and balances the richness.
Variations for Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos
Feel free to make the recipe your own! Whether you want to add a little extra heat, make it vegetarian, or use different ingredients, adapting these burritos is easy and fun.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and boost veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or black beans for a wholesome bite.
- Spicy kick: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce inside for a fiery twist.
- Breakfast style: Incorporate scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a morning meal upgrade.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with pepper jack, feta, or queso fresco to change the flavor profile.
- Crunch factor: Add crushed tortilla chips or crispy bacon bits for an extra textural surprise.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos
Step 1: Prepare the tater tots
Cook the frozen tater tots according to package instructions until golden and crispy, either baking or air frying them for the best texture.
Step 2: Cook the filling
In a skillet, sauté onions and peppers until softened, then add your choice of protein (like ground beef or black beans), seasoning everything with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the burritos
Lay out each tortilla and layer cooked tots, the savory filling, and a generous amount of shredded cheese. Add any optional toppings like sour cream or salsa at this stage to your liking.
Step 4: Roll and heat
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll tightly. Heat the burritos in a skillet or oven briefly to melt the cheese and ensure the burrito stays warm and crispy on the outside.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Slice the burritos in half to showcase the cheesy, crispy interior, then serve immediately with your favorite garnishes or sides.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos
- Use warm tortillas: Warming helps prevent tearing and makes rolling easier.
- Don’t overcrowd: Avoid overfilling to keep your burrito from falling apart.
- Crisp the outside: Toast the wrapped burrito in a pan with a little oil for a golden, slightly crunchy shell.
- Layer cheese strategically: Place cheese both under and over the tater tots to lock in melts perfectly.
- Drain excess moisture: Make sure fillings like sautéed vegetables aren’t too wet to keep burritos from getting soggy.
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos
Garnishes
Top with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of green onions to add freshness and color to your plate.
Side Dishes
Serve with a side salad, crunchy tortilla chips, or a light slaw to balance the rich and cheesy burritos perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the burritos diagonally and plate them layered with guacamole or drizzled with chipotle mayo for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze wrapped burritos individually in airtight containers or freezer bags; they keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat burritos in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness, or use an oven to warm them evenly—avoid microwaving if you want to keep the outside crispy.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the meat with black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or extra veggies, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian-friendly version.
What is the best cheese to use?
A Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack works perfectly for meltability and flavor in Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead and refrigerate or freeze them, then simply reheat before serving for maximum convenience.
How do I keep the burrito from becoming soggy?
Be sure to drain any watery fillings, crisp the tater tots well, and toast the wrapped burrito in a pan to maintain a crispy texture.
Can I use sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots?
Definitely! Sweet potato tots add a slightly sweeter flavor and work wonderfully in this recipe for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, cheesy, and crispy Cheesy Tater Tot Burrito. It’s a blend of textures and flavors that warms your soul and satisfies any craving. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, a fun snack, or a party treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, mix in your favorite ingredients, and enjoy every gooey, crispy bite!
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PrintCheesy Tater Tot Burritos
Cheesy Tater Tot Burritos combine crispy golden tater tots with melted cheese and savory fillings wrapped inside warm tortillas. This quick, customizable comfort food delivers gooey, crunchy, and zesty flavors perfect for weeknight dinners, snacks, or party treats. Ideal for all ages, these burritos bring a satisfying blend of textures and bold seasonings that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Contains gluten
Ingredients
Tater Tots and Cheese
- Frozen tater tots (enough for serving size)
- 1 to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Tortillas
- Large flour tortillas (soft, to wrap fillings easily)
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb cooked protein (ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the tater tots: Cook frozen tater tots according to package instructions by baking or air frying until they are golden and crispy for the best texture.
- Cook the filling: In a skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until softened. Add your choice of cooked protein, then season with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Assemble the burritos: Lay each tortilla flat, then layer cooked tater tots, the savory filling, and a generous amount of shredded cheese. Add optional toppings like sour cream or salsa as desired.
- Roll and heat: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll tightly. Heat the burritos briefly in a skillet or oven to melt the cheese completely and ensure the burrito stays warm and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the burritos in half diagonally to display the cheesy, crispy interior. Serve immediately with your favorite garnishes or side dishes.
Notes
- Use warm tortillas to prevent tearing and ease rolling.
- Avoid overfilling to keep the burrito intact.
- Toast the wrapped burrito in a lightly oiled pan for a crispy exterior.
- Layer cheese both under and over tater tots for perfect melting.
- Drain excess moisture from sautéed vegetables to avoid soggy burritos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: tater tot burrito, cheesy burrito, comfort food, quick dinner, snack, Mexican-American cuisine