Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos: Get ready to ditch the same old boring appetizers and saddle up for a flavor explosion! Imagine crispy, golden tater tots piled high with savory BBQ pulled pork, melted cheddar cheese, tangy coleslaw, and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing experience that will have everyone reaching for more.

While the exact origins of this particular nacho creation are shrouded in mystery, the spirit of cowboy cuisine is all about resourcefulness and bold flavors. Think chuckwagon cooking, where hearty meals were essential to fuel long days on the range. This recipe takes that same down-to-earth approach and elevates it with the fun and familiar comfort of tater tots. It’s a modern twist on a classic, perfect for game day, potlucks, or a casual weeknight dinner.

People adore Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos for their irresistible combination of textures and tastes. The crispy tots provide a satisfying crunch, while the tender pulled pork offers a smoky, savory depth. The creamy cheese and tangy coleslaw create a delightful contrast that keeps your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize! Add your favorite BBQ sauce, swap out the coleslaw for pickled onions, or throw on some jalapeños for an extra kick. No matter how you make them, these Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos are guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• For the Tater Tots:
• 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the BBQ Pulled Pork:
• 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand!)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• For the Toppings:
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• BBQ sauce, for drizzling (optional)

Preparing the BBQ Pulled Pork:

1. Sear the Pork Shoulder: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing flavor! Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to the pulled pork.
4. Combine and Simmer: Return the pork shoulder to the pot. Add the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. I prefer the Dutch oven method for a richer flavor.
6. Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the pork. Discard any excess fat.
7. Return to Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the pot with the sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the pork to absorb the sauce. This step is important for ensuring the pork is flavorful and moist. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more BBQ sauce or a pinch of salt and pepper.

Preparing the Tater Tots:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Season the Tater Tots: In a large bowl, toss the frozen tater tots with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the tater tots are evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Bake the Tater Tots: Spread the tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. You want them nice and crispy!

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Make a Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This is called a roux, and it’s the base for your cheese sauce.
3. Whisk in the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6. Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, cook it over low heat for a few more minutes, stirring constantly.

Assembling the Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos:

1. Arrange the Tater Tots: Spread the baked tater tots on a large serving platter or baking sheet.
2. Pour on the Cheese Sauce: Generously pour the cheese sauce over the tater tots, making sure to cover them evenly.
3. Top with Pulled Pork: Spoon the BBQ pulled pork over the cheese-covered tater tots.
4. Add the Remaining Toppings: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños, and diced red onion.
5. Bake (Optional): If desired, bake the nachos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step is optional, but it helps to melt the additional cheddar cheese and warm everything through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy! These are best served hot and fresh.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or pulled pork for extra heat. You can also use a spicier BBQ sauce.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese in the cheese sauce, such as pepper jack, Gruyere, or smoked Gouda.
• Add Beans: Add a layer of black beans or pinto beans to the nachos for extra protein and fiber.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the pulled pork with BBQ jackfruit or seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version.
• Make Ahead: The pulled pork and cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling the nachos.
• Serving Size: This recipe makes a large batch of nachos, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Adjust the quantities as needed for smaller servings.
• Leftovers: Leftover nachos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. The tater tots may lose some of their crispness, but they will still be delicious.

Enjoy your Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos! They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos – a flavor explosion that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s the perfect blend of comfort food, crowd-pleasing flavors, and utter simplicity. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this dish comes together quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones (and maybe sneak a few extra tater tots!). But beyond the ease of preparation, it’s the taste that really seals the deal. The smoky BBQ sauce, the savory ground beef, the creamy cheese, and the crispy tater tots all harmonize beautifully, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a fun weekend gathering. Looking for serving suggestions? I love to serve these nachos with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast to the richness of the BBQ sauce. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions adds a pop of freshness and color. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your own taste preferences. Swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken or pulled pork. Use a different type of cheese, like pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile. Add some black beans or corn for extra heartiness. You could even make a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground beef and your favorite vegetarian BBQ sauce. The possibilities are endless! For a lighter take, consider using sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots. This adds a touch of sweetness and a boost of nutrients. You could also bake the tater tots instead of frying them to reduce the fat content. Another fun variation is to use different types of BBQ sauce. Try a honey BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor, or a spicy BBQ sauce for a fiery kick. I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Nachos recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to make that even the most novice cook can whip it up in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple in your household for years to come. Don’t forget to tag me in your photos on social media – I love seeing your culinary creations! Let’s spread the joy of delicious food together!

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